The United States and Nigeria have signed a five-year bilateral health agreement valued at nearly $2.1 billion, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s health system with a particular focus on expanding faith-based healthcare services, Hobnob News reports.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), announced by the US Department of State, is designed to support prevention and treatment programmes for HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, and polio. Under the agreement, Nigeria is also expected to increase its domestic health spending by almost $3 billion over the duration of the pact.
According to the State Department, the agreement forms part of the America First Global Health Strategy and represents the largest co-investment commitment made by any partner country under the framework.
“Today, the United States Department of State signed a five-year bilateral health Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Republic of Nigeria to strengthen Nigeria’s health system,” the department said in a statement. “Working with Congress, the United States intends to commit nearly $2.1bn to expand essential preventive and curative services.”
The statement added that Nigeria’s planned increase in domestic health expenditure underscores a shared responsibility for sustainable health financing.
A key component of the MoU is the allocation of dedicated funding to faith-based healthcare providers, particularly Christian health institutions. The US government noted that these facilities play a critical role in healthcare delivery across the country, especially in underserved communities.
“The agreement includes significant dedicated funding to support Christian healthcare facilities, with a focus on expanding access to integrated HIV, TB, malaria, and maternal and child health services,” the statement said.
Nigeria currently has an estimated 900 faith-based clinics and hospitals, which collectively serve more than 30 per cent of the population. US officials said investments in these facilities are intended to complement public health services and strengthen the country’s overall health infrastructure.
The State Department also stressed that US foreign assistance remains subject to ongoing review. “As with all foreign assistance, the President and Secretary of State retain the right to pause or terminate programmes that do not align with the national interest,” the statement noted.
The agreement comes amid heightened scrutiny of Nigeria by the United States, including recent travel restrictions imposed by the Donald Trump administration, citing national security and visa compliance concerns.
Released in September 2025, the America First Global Health Strategy prioritises bilateral health agreements, increased partner-country investment, and targeted efforts to combat major infectious diseases while reinforcing national health systems.
