The Senate has passed the Basic Health Care Provision Fund amendment bill after months of delay, following the consideration of a report by its Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary).
This was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja by the Communications Manager of AdvoKC Foundation, Luqman Adamu.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Ipalibo Banigo, scaled third reading on April 23, 2026, marking a major step forward for a proposal aimed at boosting Nigeria’s primary healthcare system.
The legislation seeks to increase funding for the Basic Health Care Provision Fund from one per cent to two per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
The fund is a key financing mechanism for primary healthcare services across the country, especially for vulnerable and underserved populations.
The bill had earlier passed second reading on October 22, 2025, but remained at the committee stage beyond the four-week timeline set by the Senate, raising concerns among stakeholders over the delay.
This prompted AdvoKC Foundation to mount pressure through advocacy campaigns, public engagement and direct communication with key actors, including the sponsor, to push for action on the bill.
The renewed push appeared to yield results as the committee eventually laid its report, which was considered and adopted by the Senate, paving the way for the passage of the bill.
Reacting, Adamu said the development showed that sustained public engagement could influence legislative action and speed up delayed processes.
The civil society organisation commended the Senate committee and the sponsor for advancing the bill, while stressing the need for continued oversight to ensure the timely implementation of legislative commitments.
“We remain committed to tracking the bill through to its conclusion, ensuring that it does not lose momentum at this critical stage, while continuing to advocate for policies that strengthen the healthcare system and deliver tangible, equitable benefits to citizens across the country,” Adamu said.
With the Senate’s approval, the bill will now be transmitted to the House of Representatives for concurrence before it is sent to the President for assent.
