Tinubu Unveils Multi-Billion Dollar Development Programmes to Boost Economy, Revamp Primary Healthcare, Cut Poverty

By Pan Afric Reporters

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched a new wave of flagship national development programmes valued at over $1 billion to accelerate economic recovery, reduce poverty, strengthen primary healthcare, improve education and build resilient communities, declaring that the benefits of Nigeria’s improving economy must translate into better living standards for all citizens.

The announcement was contained in a press statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and signed by the Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, Mr. Ado Bako.

Representing President Tinubu at the launch held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Professor Taiwo Oyedele, described the initiatives as a coordinated national strategy designed to consolidate economic reforms while improving the welfare of Nigerians.

According to him, the country’s recent economic gains provide the foundation for inclusive national development.

“These economic gains are not merely statistical achievements but the foundation for the next phase of national development focused on improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians,” the President said through Professor Oyedele.

He noted that Nigeria’s economy recorded 11.2 per cent real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, while per capita income in dollar terms increased by nearly 10 per cent over the past year. He also disclosed that foreign reserves had improved, inflation had moderated from its peak, and about 15 million vulnerable households had benefited from the expanded social intervention programme.

Among the programmes unveiled under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) are the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity-Governance (HOPE-GOV) programme, valued at $500 million, and the Primary Healthcare Provision Strengthening Programme (HOPE-PHC), with financing of $570 million.

According to the Federal Government, HOPE-GOV will strengthen governance by improving budget planning and supporting the recruitment of teachers and healthcare workers, particularly in underserved communities, while HOPE-PHC will enhance service delivery in primary healthcare using the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund as its anchor.

Speaking during the event, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, said the programmes demonstrate the Tinubu administration’s commitment to fulfilling its health sector promises under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He explained that the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative is built on four strategic pillars, including improved governance, equitable and quality healthcare delivery, development of the healthcare value chain, and strengthened health security.

Professor Pate highlighted significant achievements already recorded under the initiative.

He disclosed that 3,026 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) had been revitalised nationwide, while 231 secondary hospitals received maternal and newborn equipment worth $200,000 per state.

He added that 43,417 women and newborns had benefited from emergency transport services, while 42,970 comprehensive emergency maternal and neonatal care services were delivered between October 2024 and March 2026.

The minister further revealed that 78,054 frontline healthcare workers had been trained, with 45.5 million visits recorded at facilities supported under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund within a single quarter.

According to him, the reforms are already producing measurable improvements in healthcare utilisation across the country.

“The reforms are increasing service utilisation, with more women choosing to give birth in health facilities, reflecting renewed confidence in the health system. They are increasing uptake of essential health services, with more families choosing modern family planning and more children receiving life-saving vaccines,” Pate said.

Also speaking, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mathew Verghis, commended the Federal Government for the progress recorded in expanding access to quality healthcare, particularly for mothers, children and vulnerable populations.

He said the collaboration between the Federal Government, states, local governments, development partners, civil society and the private sector had created a strong accountability framework for achieving universal health coverage.

“The HOPE PHC Programme and the investment it attracts, combined with our domestic resources and other impact investments, signal a new level of joint commitment,” Verghis said.

He added that while emerging data already point to improved health outcomes, the programme provides Nigeria with an opportunity to build a healthier, more productive population.

At the ceremony, President Tinubu, represented by Professor Oyedele, formally launched the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus Additional Financing (NG-CARES AF), the HOPE Programme, comprising HOPE-GOV, HOPE-PHC and HOPE-EDU, as well as the Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons and Host Communities (SOLID) Programme.

The Federal Government said the initiatives mark a significant milestone in its drive to promote inclusive economic growth, strengthen human capital, improve healthcare delivery and achieve sustainable national development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.