The Federal Government of Nigeria has conducted a training workshop for civil servants in the Ministry of Health on implementing the 2023 health budget, with a focus on enhancing revenue and healthcare delivery management. The workshop, which targeted heads of accounts in health institutions and agencies across the nation, aimed to prepare participants for the execution of the Presidential Executive Order 12 of 2022.

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, Mahmood Mamman, represented by the Director of Health Planning Research and Statistics, Dr. Ngozi Azodo, emphasized the importance of the training. Azodo highlighted that the health sector’s capital budget has significantly increased from ₦207 billion in 2022 to ₦445 billion in 2023, marking a 100% increase. Additionally, the overhead budget rose from ₦12 billion to ₦16 billion, and personnel costs increased from ₦494 billion in 2022 to ₦614 billion in 2023. This represents a ₦241 billion increase in financing for the sector over the past two years.

Azodo stressed the need for efficient implementation of these funds, stating that the training would help ensure that health sector resources are used effectively. She noted that Executive Order 12, signed by President Muhammadu Buhari in October 2022, aims to improve performance management, coordination, and implementation of the government’s key priorities. The Order has established platforms such as the Central Delivery Coordination Unit, overseen by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, to streamline these efforts.

The training is part of the government’s broader efforts to maximize the benefits of increased health sector funding, ensuring that protocols are in place for the efficient use of these resources.

The Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, added that the ministry has seen improvements in budget submission and implementation timelines in recent years, ensuring timely action in line with government goals.

Facilitator Mrs. Jummai Abdullahi explained that the purpose of the workshop was to equip participants with the skills to identify service gaps and management issues in health institutions. The goal is to develop strategies and solutions to address these challenges, ultimately leading to improved service delivery and quality healthcare in Nigeria.