Billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates, has expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s poor funding of its health sector, warning that the country cannot continue to rely on foreign aid to fix its healthcare system.
Speaking with journalists during a media chat in Lagos on Wednesday, Gates described Nigeria’s health budget as grossly inadequate to meet the pressing needs of its growing population.
“When you look at the numbers, the amount Nigeria spends on healthcare is very, very small,” he said. “It is not just about percentages; in absolute terms, Nigeria’s budget for health is insufficient to tackle the crises it faces.”
Gates, who was recently honoured by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his philanthropic contributions to healthcare in Nigeria, urged both federal and state governments to take greater responsibility for building a sustainable health system.
“We can assist as partners, but the foundation of a functioning health system has to be built and maintained by the government,” Gates noted. “In the long run, you can’t depend on aid to fund your essential health systems. Countries need to build resilience internally.”
While he acknowledged some progress in parts of the country, particularly Lagos and Kano States, Gates pointed out that the improvements remain uneven and limited in scope.
“In States like Kano and Lagos, you are seeing some positive movement. But if you take the country as a whole, the funding just isn’t there yet to achieve universal health coverage or even deliver basic services equitably,” he said.
Gates’ comments come at a time when many Nigerians continue to face challenges accessing quality healthcare, with shortages of medical personnel, dilapidated facilities, and out-of-pocket expenses worsening outcomes, particularly in rural areas.
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