The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has called for a national framework for public-private partnerships (PPPs) in primary healthcare to attract more private investment and expand access to quality healthcare services across Nigeria.
The group also proposed a dedicated primary healthcare investment and risk-sharing facility to give investors greater clarity on the risks associated with financing and operating healthcare facilities, particularly in underserved communities.
The proposals emerged from a pre-summit dialogue organised by the NESG in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning ahead of the Nigerian Economic Summit.
The virtual dialogue, held on September 17, 2026, focused on “Powering PHC to UHC: Unlocking Private Sector Partnership” and brought together government officials, healthcare providers, development partners and private-sector operators.
Dr Amos Mogaji, Chairman of the House Committee on Health Care Services/Establishments, said uncertainty over revenue, fragmented regulation, lengthy government processes and weaknesses in contracting and procurement were discouraging greater private-sector participation in primary healthcare.
According to Mogaji, investors need clarity on what government and private operators are expected to deliver, the risks each party will assume and the outcomes expected from their investments.
He called for a national framework that clearly defines the responsibilities of government and private-sector participants in PHC partnerships.
Mogaji also proposed an investment and risk-sharing facility that would provide greater certainty for investors and help reduce the risks associated with operating healthcare facilities in underserved communities.
He said better coordination among government agencies and private operators could also reduce bureaucratic delays arising from multiple regulatory and reporting requirements.
Policy continuity, he added, was essential to attracting long-term private capital.
Mogaji argued that frameworks and agreements designed to encourage private investment should remain stable even when political administrations change.
The call for greater collaboration comes against the backdrop of the significant role already played by private healthcare providers in Nigeria.
Private operators are estimated to account for between 60% and 70% of healthcare service delivery in the country.
Dr Sade Adebanjo, a member of the Steering Committee of the NESG Health Policy Commission, said Nigeria would struggle to make meaningful progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) without developing stronger partnerships with private healthcare providers.
She described primary healthcare as the foundation and first point of contact for most Nigerians seeking medical services.
However, inadequate financing, shortages of healthcare workers, poor infrastructure and weaknesses in service delivery continue to limit the capacity of PHC facilities, particularly in underserved communities.
Adebanjo said combining government resources with private-sector capital, expertise and operational capacity could help expand access to affordable and quality healthcare.
