By Fatima Saka
Abuja – Senator Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary), has allocated her zonal intervention project funds to provide health insurance coverage for vulnerable groups in her senatorial district, West Central.
The constituency projects funds covered over 6,000 children, pregnant women, the elderly, retirees, internally displaced persons, and other vulnerable individuals are already benefiting from the scheme, with plans underway to renew and expand coverage.
Dr. Banigo, who is representing Rivers West Senatorial District, made the announcement on Tuesday at the day four National Dialogue on Health Financing in Abuja, where she commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and his team for convening the forum.
She stressed that her personal commitment to channel constituency funds into health insurance demonstrates the importance of prioritizing health financing at both national and subnational levels.
“In February 2025, we secured presidential approval for an additional ₦4.8 billion dedicated to HIV treatment. This, alongside our efforts to review the National Health Act, secure immunization financing, and appropriate funds for vulnerable groups, shows that health is a national priority,” Banigo said.
She outlined her legislative agenda to strengthen health sector financing through enabling laws, increased allocations to the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, and the establishment of a catastrophic fund to assist Nigerians facing severe health conditions such as kidney failure and cancer.
Senator Banigo also revealed that her committee has developed a robust oversight mechanism to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of health resources.
She highlighted the adoption of technology-driven tools like the stillbirth dashboard, designed to provide real-time data for improved decision-making and service delivery.
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“As legislators, we will continue to drive change by mobilizing resources, enhancing oversight, and working closely with development partners and the private sector. The health of our nation is its true wealth,” she said, calling for collaboration among stakeholders to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria.
The four-days dialogue brought together government representatives, private sector stakeholders, civil society, and development partners to discuss strategies for mobilizing sustainable domestic financing for healthcare, reducing out-of-pocket spending, and strengthening health systems nationwide.
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