A recent assessment conducted by Orodata Science in collaboration with Africa Data Hub has revealed significant gaps in the condition of 290 primary healthcare centres (PHCs) listed as revitalised in Nigeria. The assessment, which covered six states, found that only 29% of the PHCs met the benchmark for revitalisation. This means that out of the 290 PHCs, only 85 facilities met the expected standard.
The assessment, which used field visits, photographs, geocoding, staff and community feedback, digital scorecards, and direct observation, found that 91 facilities were not started, stalled, or abandoned. In some cases, facilities listed as completed had visible defects, including structural problems, poor finishes, and faulty installations such as solar panels. Furthermore, 15 stalled or abandoned projects had no reason stated, while five were abandoned by contractors.
The findings also showed discrepancies between government records and conditions observed on the ground. For instance, some facilities listed as revitalised were either partially functional or non-functional and did not meet the expected standard. According to Data Analyst at Africa Data Hub, Hannah Naiyeju, the standard for a revitalised facility required it to be functional at Level 2, with a defined package of services, working equipment, adequate power, and sufficient staff.
The assessment also raised concerns about equipment and supplies, as well as construction and renovation, which were among the weakest areas recorded. Naiyeju said that a facility could be listed as revitalised while still lacking the equipment and supplies needed to provide healthcare services. In addition, only 22 of the 290 facilities were found to have a functional ambulance, highlighting concerns about emergency care.
Funding accountability was another major concern, with 53 facilities listed as revitalised having received no intervention, while work had never started at 51 others. Naiyeju also noted that 33 facilities had five or more funders, which could make it difficult to establish accountability for specific interventions. She called on communities, journalists, and oversight institutions to demand the full list of facilities claimed to have been revitalised, alongside contract and payment records and independent verification of completed work.
Country Operations Lead at Orodata Science, John Eromosele, said the findings raised questions about whether funds released for PHC revitalisation were reaching the facilities for which they were intended. He urged the government to provide greater clarity on the status of Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) resources released for PHC revitalisation. Eromosele also called on government officials, citizens, and journalists to scrutinise funds released for PHC interventions and the projects they were intended to support.
Reacting to the findings, state officials noted that the BHCPF was an important source of support for PHCs, but delays in the release of funds had hindered progress. The Executive Secretary of the Osun State Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr Shina Igbalaye, said that Osun had about 800 facilities, of which 332 were supported through the BHCPF, while more than 500 depended on state and local government funding. Meanwhile, the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board has invested significantly in primary healthcare infrastructure, including the renovation, reconstruction, and construction of PHCs.
Key points
- Only 29% of 290 PHCs meet the benchmark for revitalisation.
- 91 facilities were not started, stalled, or abandoned.
- Funding accountability remains a major concern in PHC revitalisation efforts.
