The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has disclosed that the country requires an annual allocation of N104 billion to implement its updated health security strategy.
This funding is intended to drive the second National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS 2.0), a strategic framework designed to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to detect, assess, and respond to emerging public health threats.
The Director-General of the agency, Jide Idris, stated that the total estimated cost for the five-year implementation of the plan is approximately N522 billion. The NCDC made this disclosure in a statement issued on Monday.
Implementation of NAPHS 2.0
The NAPHS 2.0 serves as a roadmap for Nigeria to address critical gaps in disease surveillance, laboratory infrastructure, and emergency response mechanisms. According to the agency, the N104 billion yearly requirement is necessary to ensure that the various components of the plan are sustained and effective across the federation.
The plan aims to transition the country from a reactive stance during disease outbreaks to a more proactive and prepared position. By investing in the health security plan, the NCDC intends to build resilient systems capable of mitigating the socio-economic impact of infectious disease outbreaks, such as Lassa fever, cholera, and other emerging pathogens.
The NCDC’s request for increased budgetary support comes as the nation faces recurring public health challenges that require robust institutional responses. The agency noted that the five-year timeline for the N522 billion expenditure allows for systematic upgrades across different levels of the health system, including state and local government facilities.
Key areas of focus for the plan include enhancing the capacity of healthcare workers, upgrading diagnostic facilities, and improving data management for real-time disease tracking. The NCDC has frequently advocated for consistent funding to maintain the gains made during previous health emergencies, suggesting that preparedness is more cost-effective than managing full-scale outbreaks.
The federal government has not yet issued a formal response regarding the specific budgetary provisions for the N522 billion requirement. The successful execution of the NAPHS 2.0 will likely depend on coordinated funding from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, and potentially international development partners.
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