The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved ₦10.3 billion for the procurement of essential health commodities, including antiretroviral drugs for HIV treatment, locally manufactured diabetes diagnostic kits, and other critical medications.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Ali Pate, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents on Wednesday, emphasising the government’s commitment to improving healthcare access and affordability for Nigerians.
“A few weeks ago, we approved the first-line antiretroviral drugs, and now we are putting forth resources—almost ₦997 million worth of contracts—to procure third-line antiretroviral drugs for those who are HIV-infected,” Pate stated.
He highlighted the importance of the initiative, citing shifts in global health financing and the increasing need for domestic funding to sustain treatment programs.
In addition to HIV treatment, the FEC also approved the procurement of locally manufactured diabetes diagnostic kits, a move aimed at tackling the growing burden of diabetes in Nigeria.
“Diabetes is a major issue in our country. It’s among the fastest-growing segments. We have lots of our population suffering from diabetes, and some are not even aware they have it,” Pate said.
A Lagos-based private company has been commissioned to manufacture the diagnostic test kits, in line with the government’s effort to strengthen the healthcare value chain and encourage local production.
“So, government is procuring the diagnostic kits—the on-point blood glucose monitoring system—that is manufactured here in Nigeria. This is bringing to life the effort to unlock the healthcare value chain by encouraging local manufacturers,” he added.
The approved funds also cover the distribution of monitoring devices to primary healthcare centers nationwide, alongside the training of health workers to help patients track their blood sugar levels.
Pate further noted that President Bola Tinubu had previously directed the rollout of a medical relief program aimed at reducing the cost of essential medicines. To this end, ₦4.5 billion has been allocated for the procurement of antibiotics, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic medications—expanding the scope beyond just test kits.
Additionally, the FEC approved ₦2.1 billion for the procurement of a mobile X-ray machine and the rehabilitation and equipping of a 64-slice CT scan at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi.
According to Pate, the upgraded facility will enhance diagnostic and clinical care services, making the hospital a key referral center for Bauchi State and surrounding regions.
The approvals underscore the government’s focus on strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure while promoting local production of medical supplies to ensure sustainability and affordability.
