Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Nigerian government to disclose the details of its health agreement with the United States. This follows Ghanaian President John Mahama's revelation that his country rejected a similar proposal due to concerns over medical records, pathogen information, funding obligations, and inspection of imported medicines. Atiku's demand comes as Nigerians are left speculating about the contents of an agreement signed in their name.
Nigeria signed a five-year Health Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the US on December 19, 2025. The agreement covers disease surveillance, health data systems, and procedures involving pathogen samples. Under the deal, the US is expected to provide nearly $2 billion in grants, while Nigeria's commitments are projected to mobilise nearly $3 billion in domestic health financing over five years. Atiku's concerns centre on the implications of these commitments for Nigeria's healthcare system.
Atiku questioned the government's capacity to meet its domestic funding commitments, citing the implementation of the Ministry of Health's 2025 capital budget. Health Minister Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate had told lawmakers that only ₦36 million was released from the ₦218 billion appropriated for capital projects and programmes at the ministry's headquarters in 2025. This has raised concerns about the government's ability to honour its multibillion-dollar commitment.
The former Vice President also highlighted Nigeria's healthcare realities, including an estimated 75,000 maternal deaths recorded in 2023. He argued that the government's performance in addressing these issues has been inadequate, with little progress made in making childbirth safer. Atiku's statement has sparked a renewed debate about the government's healthcare policies and its partnerships with international organisations.
Atiku called for the publication of the full MoU, including related protocols, annexes, data-sharing arrangements, specimen-sharing agreements, and financial undertakings. He wants Nigerians to know whether their medical information or pathogen samples can leave the country, who may access them, and what safeguards protect patients. Additionally, he questioned whether NAFDAC retains full authority to inspect medicines and medical products.
The former Vice President emphasised that Nigeria welcomes international cooperation that saves lives, but insisted that the government must be accountable for the terms it accepts and the results it delivers. He also noted Nigeria's expanding partnership with France, stressing the need for transparency in these collaborations. Atiku's demand for transparency has been seen as a challenge to the government's secrecy surrounding the health agreement.
Atiku's statement concluded with a call for President Tinubu to put the documents before Nigerians and answer questions about the agreement plainly. He argued that Nigeria's sovereignty is not classified information and that the government must be open about the terms of its international partnerships. The government has yet to respond to Atiku's demands, but the issue is likely to continue sparking debate in the coming weeks.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar demands the Nigerian government disclose the details of its health agreement with the US.
- The agreement covers disease surveillance, health data systems, and procedures involving pathogen samples.
- Atiku questions the government's capacity to meet its domestic funding commitments under the agreement.
