Billionaire philanthropist and co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates, has raised alarm over Nigeria’s inadequate health spending, warning that unless urgent investments are made in the country’s primary healthcare (PHC) system, the nation risks a deeper health crisis.
Speaking during a media roundtable in Lagos ahead of the Gates Foundation’s first-ever Goalkeepers event hosted in Nigeria, Gates lamented the low allocation to the health sector and projected further decline due to foreign aid cuts.
“There will be less money for health in Nigeria next year than there is this year,” Gates said, describing the current budgetary allocation as grossly insufficient to address the country’s pressing healthcare challenges.
He linked the underfunding to Nigeria’s staggering maternal and child mortality rates — the second highest globally.
Gates stressed that investing in primary healthcare remains the most effective way to improve health outcomes and bridge global health inequalities.
“Strengthening primary health systems is the key. When PHC is adequately funded and supported, it not only saves lives but uplifts entire communities,” he added.
He praised the Gombe State government for its progress in PHC delivery, particularly the establishment of two health centres in every ward.
“This is a strong example of political will and commitment to community-based healthcare,” Gates noted.
The Goalkeepers Nigeria event, which traditionally holds alongside the UN General Assembly in New York, made its African debut in Lagos on Wednesday.
The platform, launched in 2017 by the Gates Foundation, aims to accelerate progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a strong focus on health, poverty, and gender equality.
During a panel session on “Scaling Solutions in AI and Health,” experts highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence to transform healthcare in Africa — but warned against adopting one-size-fits-all solutions.
“If AI cannot learn our content, it cannot provide the right answers,” said Olubayo Adekanmbi, CEO of Data Science Nigeria.
He emphasised the need to train AI systems with African data, languages, and cultural contexts, warning that failure to localise AI development could deepen existing disparities.
Nkem Okocha, founder of the social enterprise Mamamoni, echoed the need for inclusive innovation and cross-sector partnerships.
“No one can drive impact alone. Collaboration between innovators, governments, funders, and communities is essential to scale what works,” she said.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, who featured in a session on “Funding and Partnership,” reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening PHC, a central promise of his electoral campaign.
“We’ve worked hard to ensure every ward in Gombe now has at least two PHCs. Access to healthcare must start at the grassroots,” he said.
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