Nigeria has secured nearly $500 million in funding from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to support vaccine procurement, strengthen primary healthcare (PHC) services, and improve the country’s immunisation programme over the 2026–2030 period. The approval marks one of the country’s largest recent health-sector financing commitments and is expected to boost efforts to protect millions of children against vaccine-preventable diseases.
The funding was announced following high-level discussions in Abuja between Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and Gavi Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Sania Nishtar. The investment will support routine immunisation, strengthen vaccine delivery systems, improve cold-chain infrastructure, and enhance the capacity of primary healthcare centres across Nigeria.
According to the Federal Government, the package aligns with Nigeria’s health sector reforms aimed at expanding access to quality primary healthcare while increasing immunisation coverage, particularly in underserved communities. The support will also help improve long-term vaccine financing and build a more resilient health system capable of responding to future public health emergencies.
Nigeria remains one of Gavi’s largest partner countries due to its large birth cohort and continuing efforts to reduce the number of “zero-dose” children—those who have never received a routine vaccine. The alliance has been a key partner in Nigeria’s immunisation programmes, supporting vaccines against diseases including polio, measles, HPV, pneumococcal disease, and other childhood illnesses.
Health experts say the new investment will not only improve vaccine access but also strengthen frontline healthcare facilities, helping Nigeria move closer to universal health coverage while reducing preventable maternal and child deaths. The funding is expected to complement ongoing federal and state initiatives to upgrade primary healthcare centres nationwide and expand essential health services to vulnerable populations.
