NIGERIA’S HEALTH SYSTEM UNDERPERFORMS AT 45%, BELOW AFRICAN AVERAGE

Despite reforms, Nigeria’s healthcare faces huge gaps in funding, infrastructure, and coverage.

The African Health Observatory Platform (AHOP) reveals Nigeria’s health system performs at just 45%, lagging behind the African average of 56%. Despite spending reforms, government health expenditure remains among the lowest in Africa, with 80% of infrastructure dysfunctional and private providers delivering 70% of services. Out-of-pocket expenses account for 75% of health spending, while only 10% have health insurance. With skilled birth attendance at 51% and doctor density below recommendations, experts call for urgent implementation of key health insurance laws and increased investment to bridge gaps and achieve universal health coverage by 2030.