Exploring Nigeria Annual Budgets and Health Sector Budget Provisions towards Attainment of Universal Health Coverage Amid the Covid-19 Pandemic Preparedness

Abstract

The Covid-19 outbreak is currently having a significant impact on the health and economic growth of the World. This study explored the trend in Nigeria’s annual budget from 2016 to 2020, the assumptions for these annual budgets, the budget allocations to the Health Sector and the policy measures in place for health emergencies. The mixed-method approach was used and involved key informant interviews of 30 employees and 30 top management officials across the Federal Ministries of Health and Finance using a structured interview guide. There were also desk reviews of documents in public domains and government published financial and budget data at global and national levels. The findings reveal that Nigeria has continued to increase her annual budget without much improvement in her revenue position. The key assumptions on which the various annual budgets were based were distinct, and none envisaged the Covid-19 pandemic and its aftermath. On health sector allocation, the Federal Government of Nigeria lays little emphasis on efforts towards the attainment of UHC and emergency health events. The government ensured that health care financing policies and provisions are in place. However, the adequacy of those policies and provisions needs to be improved upon. The past spending pattern between 2016 and 2020 shows that these policies are not directed at closing the scary gap that makes ordinary Nigerians suffer from the overwhelming cost of healthcare. This includes a lack of attention to the basic health fund and funds for emergencies, probably due to inadequate political will and commitment to health.