Poor Financial Management Hurting Health Sector says SHI

A civil society group, the Simon Health Initiative, says weak financial management is worsening Nigeria’s healthcare challenges, with funds allocated to the sector often left unused. The organisation launched its first report on public finance management and health on March 12 at the University of Lagos.

The report says millions of naira released to primary healthcare centres under the Universal Basic Health Care Provision Fund have remained largely unspent because many facilities lack the technical capacity to access and manage the funds. Founder of the initiative, Iyanuoluwa Bolarinwa, said some centres struggle with financial reconciliation and reporting requirements needed to obtain the resources.

Mr Bolarinwa said the situation has created a paradox where health facilities face shortages of essential supplies while funds meant to address those needs remain locked within administrative systems. The organisation says it is now working with selected facilities to strengthen their capacity in financial management and compliance.

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Radio Now’s Aminat Muskilu reports that Professor Adebisi Sunday of the University of Lagos called for stronger monitoring of health spending and greater citizen participation in the budgeting process. He said improved accountability and planning are essential to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system and ensuring that public funds translate into better services.