Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA has called on governments at all levels to urgently address chronic underfunding and policy gaps in the country’s health sector.
In a statement marking World Health Day 2026, CAPPA criticised what it described as persistent neglect of the health sector, noting that budgetary allocations have consistently fallen below the 15 per cent benchmark agreed under the Abuja Declaration.
The organisation, citing data from the Budget Office of the Federation, said the situation is further worsened by poor release of approved funds.
It pointed out that in 2025, only ₦36 million was reportedly released from the ₦218 billion capital budget of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, while in 2024, just ₦26.552 billion was released out of ₦233.656 billion earmarked for capital projects.
CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, said the persistent gap between budget approvals and actual releases continues to weaken the country’s healthcare system.
According to him, the consequences are evident in limited access to essential medicines, overstretched health facilities, rising out-of-pocket healthcare costs, and a shortage of health workers exacerbated by migration trends.
The group also raised concerns over the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular conditions, which it said account for about 29 per cent of annual deaths in Nigeria.
Referencing the 2026 theme, “Together for health: Stand with science,” CAPPA urged the government to prioritise evidence-based interventions, particularly in promoting healthier diets.
Among its key recommendations is a review of the Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) tax. While acknowledging moves by the National Assembly to reassess the current ₦10 per litre levy, CAPPA called for a more aggressive approach, proposing a tax of at least 50 per cent of retail price in line with global best practices.
The organisation also advocated complementary measures such as mandatory sodium reduction targets, front-of-pack labelling on processed foods, and stricter regulations on the marketing of unhealthy foods, especially to children.
“These measures are critical to tackling what is now a silent epidemic of diet-related diseases,” the group stated, adding that fiscal and regulatory policies remain among the most cost-effective public health tools available.
CAPPA further highlighted the health risks associated with tobacco use and emerging nicotine products, calling for increased funding for tobacco control initiatives. It described the current ₦13 million allocation to the Tobacco Control Fund as inadequate and recommended a significant upward review.
The organisation urged policymakers to prioritise full and timely release of health budgets, strengthen accountability, and fast-track reforms aimed at improving public health outcomes.
“Prevention must become central to Nigeria’s health strategy,” Oluwafemi said, stressing the need for sustained investment and strong policies to safeguard the wellbeing of Nigerians.
