Faith Nyasuguta
Nigerian lawmakers have approved an additional $200 million for the health sector in the 2025 budget to counter the impact of U.S. aid cuts. The funding aims to bridge the shortfall caused by the Trump administration’s 90-day freeze on U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) assistance.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation with over 200 million people, was among the top ten recipients of USAID aid in 2023. The U.S. also invested more than $600 million in health assistance in Nigeria last year, primarily targeting malaria prevention, HIV control, and vaccine distribution, according to the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria.
The budgetary allocation, part of Nigeria’s $36.6 billion federal budget, is designed to support disease control, particularly the supply of vaccines and treatments for epidemic diseases. Senator Adeola Olamilekan, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, warned during Thursday’s budget session that Nigeria could face “adverse effects” from the U.S. funding suspension, particularly in public health initiatives.
In addition to disease control, the U.S. aid freeze could also impact humanitarian programs in Nigeria’s northeast, where ongoing insurgency by Islamic extremists has resulted in a humanitarian crisis. Since 2009, the insurgency has spread to neighboring countries, including Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, exacerbating regional instability.
USAID has been instrumental in supporting humanitarian efforts in these conflict-affected areas. Through its partnership with the U.N. migration agency, USAID contributed to the Rapid Response Fund project, which provides emergency shelter, sanitation, and protection to internally displaced persons. The funding freeze raises concerns about the continuity of these essential humanitarian services.
The Nigerian government’s decision to allocate $200 million to the health sector reflects its commitment to maintaining public health standards despite international aid challenges. This move is seen as a strategic effort to sustain healthcare programs, protect vulnerable communities, and promote national resilience in the face of global funding uncertainties.
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