By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has warned that Nigeria’s specialised health institutions are struggling under persistent funding pressure.
Chairman of the House Committee on Specialty Healthcare, Rep. Alex Egbona, who stated this at the commencement of the 2026 Budget Defence session at the National Assembly on Saturday, said the country’s specialist hospitals remain vital to the health system but are being stretched by limited financial support.
The session follows the presentation of the 2026 Appropriations Bill by the President in December 2025 and its progression through legislative stages before being referred for detailed committee work.
Rep. Egbona emphasised the constitutional oversight role of the committee over a wide range of specialised health institutions, including orthopaedic hospitals, psychiatric facilities, obstetric fistula centres, eye and ear hospitals, dental institutions, blood transfusion services and laboratory science technology services.
“These institutions occupy a critical position in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“They provide specialised and referral services, manage complex medical conditions, and serve some of the most vulnerable segments of our population. Without their effective functioning, the healthcare system cannot deliver optimal outcomes,” he said.
Despite their importance, he said many continue to operate under severe financial strain. According to the chairman, the budget defence exercise will focus on two key areas — proposed spending for 2026 and accountability for funds allocated in 2025.
“Annual budgetary provisions are often low and, in many cases, inadequate to address infrastructure deficits, manpower needs, equipment gaps, and expanding service demands.
“This reality directly affects service delivery and patient outcomes.
“The purpose of today’s budget defence is therefore twofold: first, for institutions to defend their 2026 budget proposals; and second, to account for the implementation of the 2025 Appropriations Act, highlighting achievements, challenges, and gaps,” he said.
The committee chairman added that lawmakers want clear explanations on how released funds were used and how funding shortfalls affected performance and assured stakeholders that the committee will push for better funding outcomes.
“The Committee is particularly interested in understanding how released funds (or lack of releases) have been utilised or affected performance; and how additional resources or adequate funding can translate into improved healthcare delivery in Nigeria
“Let me assure you that this Committee is committed as usual to ensuring that specialised healthcare institutions receive fair, realistic, and adequate budgetary allocations.
“We will continue to engage the relevant authorities and the Committee on Appropriations to advocate for improved funding, guided by transparency, accountability, and national health priorities,” he said.
Rep. Egbona directed institutions appearing before the panel to present clear, fact-based submissions.
“I urge all institutions to make concise, factual, and evidence-based presentations to enable the Committee to carry out its responsibilities effectively,” he said.
The budget defence is expected to shape final allocations for specialised healthcare services as lawmakers work towards passage of the 2026 national budget.