Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised concerns over the 2025 health sector budget, warning that funds must be properly accounted for and not vanish like past public funds allegedly “devoured” by snakes, termites, and monkeys. The Federal Government has allocated $1.07 billion to primary healthcare, in addition to ₦2.48 trillion already proposed for the sector. However, Atiku insists that every kobo must be tracked, especially as Nigeria faces economic challenges and declining foreign aid for critical health services.
Atiku, in a personally signed statement, criticized the government’s lack of transparency in handling these funds, revealing that the additional $1.07 billion comes largely from foreign loans and international donor agencies. He demanded clarity on how these loans will be repaid and how the funds will be effectively spent. He also questioned the absence of significant investment in physical infrastructure for the health sector, arguing that without a clear accountability framework, the funds could be mismanaged.
He further slammed the government for downplaying the dire state of tertiary hospitals, which still struggle with basic amenities like electricity. Highlighting persistent issues like malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS, Atiku challenged the Tinubu administration to explain how it plans to use the intervention fund to address these crises. He warned that unless a transparent monitoring system is put in place, Nigerians may see this budget as yet another grand deception disguised as public welfare.