Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to publish the full text of Nigeria's recent $5 billion health agreement with the United States. This follows Ghana's rejection of a similar US health compact over concerns about medical records, pathogen information, funding obligations, and the inspection of imported medicines. Atiku's statement, issued by his Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, raises questions about whether similar provisions were contained in the agreement signed by Nigeria.
Ghana's President John Mahama disclosed that his country rejected the proposed compact after its Ministry of Health reviewed the document and flagged provisions relating to health data, counterpart funding, and the regulatory authority of the country's Food and Drugs Authority (FDA). Atiku's concerns echo those of Ghana, highlighting the need for transparency in the agreement. Nigeria signed a five-year health Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States on December 19, 2025.
According to the Federal Ministry of Health, the agreement covers disease surveillance, health data systems, and procedures involving pathogen samples. The United States is expected to provide nearly $2 billion in grants, while Nigeria has made health spending commitments projected to mobilise nearly $3 billion over five years. Atiku emphasised that Nigerians have a right to know the details of the agreement, citing the significant financial commitments involved.
Atiku argued that the commitments should be considered against the country's health challenges, citing estimates that put Nigeria's maternal deaths at 75,000 in 2023. He expressed concern that despite the agreement, the government has not shown significant progress in addressing the country's health challenges. Atiku questioned the government's ability to meet its domestic funding commitments, citing remarks by the Minister of Health, Ali Pate.
During a budget defence, Minister Pate revealed that only N36 million had been released from the N218 billion appropriated for capital projects and programmes at the ministry's headquarters in 2025. Atiku criticised the government's inability to release funds for approved health projects, questioning how it intends to honour a multibillion-dollar commitment. He stressed that a signed partnership cannot staff a maternity ward, supply a hospital, or save a woman in labour.
The former vice president called for the publication of the complete agreement, including related protocols, annexes, data-sharing arrangements, specimen-sharing agreements, and financial undertakings. Atiku wants to know if Nigerians' medical information or pathogen samples can leave the country, who may access them, and what safeguards protect patients. He emphasised that Nigerians need to see the funding and the care.
Atiku's request for transparency is crucial, given the significant financial commitments and potential implications for Nigeria's healthcare system. The agreement's details will help Nigerians understand the scope of the partnership and the measures in place to protect the country's health data and interests.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar urges President Tinubu to publish Nigeria's $5bn health agreement with US.
- Ghana rejected a similar US health compact over concerns about medical records and pathogen samples.
- Nigeria's maternal deaths were estimated at 75,000 in 2023.
