Daud Olatunji
Lagos State stands at the forefront of health investment in Nigeria, allocating N71.4 billion to its health sector in 2023, which represents 4.79% of its total expenditure.
The report, released by BudgIT, a civic tech organization specializing in public finance analysis, shows that while Lagos leads in financial commitment, states like Ogun face stark infrastructural deficits, impacting overall health outcomes.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that there were significant disparities across other states, including Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, and Osun, where spending levels and health outcomes vary widely.
The Lagos State Government directed N25.44 billion towards the construction and rehabilitation of hospitals and health centers.
An additional N744.11 million and N357.88 million were earmarked for medical equipment and essential drugs, respectively.
Impressively, Lagos fully disbursed N15 billion for the construction of 15 primary healthcare centers, and allocated N5.87 billion for the New Massey Children’s Hospital, a significant step toward pediatric healthcare.
PLATFORM TIMES further gathered that despite boasting 2,196 health facilities, 81% of which are privately operated, Lagos still faces health equity gaps.
It was observed that,maternal mortality rates are sharply higher in vulnerable slums like Makoko Riverine and Badia East, with one in every 95 women facing life-threatening risks, compared to one in every 4,348 women in more affluent areas such as Ikoyi and Ikeja.
… Ekiti State: Mixed Success in Maternal and Child Health Indicators
In Ekiti, health performance shows a mixed picture.
The state recorded a promising 83.6% rate of antenatal care attended by skilled health workers, surpassing the national average of 69.6%.
However, only 38.5% of pregnant women were attended by medical doctors, a figure that lags behind regional peers.
Ekiti’s under-5 mortality rate of 82 deaths per 1,000 live births also shows the need for improved child healthcare services.
Ekiti’s reliance on nurses and midwives during deliveries, with 57.8% of mothers assisted by these practitioners, exceeds the regional average.
However, the state has identified gaps in healthcare financing and intends to access the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to address these concerns.
… Ogun State: Urgent Need for Increased Health Funding
Ogun State’s health budget saw an allocation of N12.94 billion, comprising only 3.65% of its total expenditure in 2023.
Out of N49.7 billion designated for health, only 26.04% was effectively implemented.
While the state invested N299.8 million in hospital construction and N609.92 million in medical supplies, the overall budget fell significantly short of the 15% Abuja Declaration benchmark.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that Ogun’s primary healthcare facilities struggle with inadequate staffing, inconsistent power supply, and poor sanitation, compounding health risks, particularly in rural areas.
Vaccination coverage, which stands at 59%, remains below national expectations, with only 1.7% of women covered by health insurance—a statistic highlighting limited financial protection for healthcare access.
… Ondo State: Focus on Reducing Under-5 Mortality
Ondo recorded an under-5 mortality rate of 64 deaths per 1,000 live births, better than the national rate of 102 but far from the SDG target of 25.
However, Ondo trails the national average for antenatal care, with only 66.2% of mothers receiving skilled care.
Teenage pregnancies and high fertility rates further strain healthcare resources, with 26.1% of mothers still delivering at home.
The state’s health challenges call for substantial investments in maternal and child healthcare, especially in providing access to skilled attendants during childbirth.
… Osun State: Strong Facility-Based Delivery Rates
In Osun, 86.1% of births take place in healthcare facilities, one of the highest rates in the region, with 54% occurring in public institutions.
While only 35.4% of mothers receive care from a doctor—second-lowest in the region—52.8% are attended by nurses or midwives, which is above the regional average.
Osun has also recorded the second-lowest under-5 mortality rate in the region, with 24 deaths per 1,000 live births.
The comparative analysis of healthcare spending and outcomes across Lagos, Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, and Osun reveals a pressing need for equitable investment in Nigeria’s healthcare.
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