The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that it will require approximately $150 billion to fund vaccine procurement and distribution for the 2026 fiscal year, as part of its broader public health preparedness and immunization strategy.
The disclosure was made by Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, during the 2025 Joint Annual Review of the Health Sector held in Abuja. Edun emphasized that the funding is critical to ensuring Nigeria’s readiness for future health emergencies and to bolster routine immunization coverage across the country.
“We are committed to building a resilient health system that can respond swiftly to both endemic and emerging diseases,” Edun stated. “This investment is not just about vaccines—it’s about safeguarding the future of our population.”
The plan is part of Nigeria’s alignment with the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) and the African Union’s 2040 Health Strategy.
The government intends to raise the funds through a combination of domestic borrowing, international development loans, and public private partnerships. However the announcement has sparked public concern over the scale of the borrowing, with critics warning of potential fiscal strain and lack of transparency.
Civil society groups have called for greater oversight and accountability in the disbursement of the funds, citing past concerns over mismanagement in the health sector.
In response to public apprehension, the Ministry of Finance assured Nigerians that all funds will be managed under strict fiscal responsibility frameworks, with regular audits and reporting mechanisms in place.
“We understand the concerns, and we are committed to full transparency and value-for-money in every naira spent,” Edun added.