Prioritising health as vehicle for national development

Prioritising health as vehicle for national development

By Abujah Racheal, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

As Nigeria navigates developmental challenges resource allocation to key sectors such as health, education, security and infrastructure continues to spark debate.

In the 2025 budget, N2.48 trillion, or 5.18 per cent of the total, was allocated to health sector. It trails defence which  got N4.91 trillion, infrastructure which received N4.06 trillion and education which was allocated N3.5 trillion.

While all these sectors are essential, experts argue that health is the cornerstone of sustainable growth.

Health impacts every facet of development: education, economic productivity and national security.

Without a healthy population, investments in other sectors may fail to achieve their desired goals.

Education and health are intricately linked. Poor health limits access to quality education, especially for vulnerable populations.

“Children who are malnourished or suffer from illnesses like malaria miss critical school days, leading to poor learning outcomes.

“To improve education, we must first address health challenges, particularly at the community level,” says Dr Francis Adedayo, a public health expert.

Nigeria’s education crisis, with the highest number of out-of-school children globally, is compounded by health factors, malnutrition and preventable diseases.

According to UNICEF, targeted health investments such as immunisation, school feeding programs and sanitation facilities can help keep children in school.

Health is also tied to national security as disease outbreaks can destabilise communities, disrupt economies and expose security vulnerabilities.

“A weak healthcare system fuels unrest and deepens inequality, which can escalate into conflicts.

“Preventing disease is cheaper than managing an outbreak. strengthening surveillance systems and primary healthcare will save lives and protect national stability,” explains Dr Solomon Chollom, a virologist.

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the strain health crises can place on security structures.

Additionally, military readiness depends on robust healthcare systems to ensure the physical and mental fitness of personnel.

While infrastructure investments drive economic growth, health infrastructure deserves no less attention.

Dr Lola Odinga, a health economist, says roads and bridges are vital, but building functional healthcare facilities in rural areas and ensuring access to clean water will have a more direct impact on people’s lives and productivity.

“Poor road networks delay emergency medical care, contributing to high maternal mortality rates.

“Inadequate water and sanitation systems expose communities to waterborne diseases like cholera. Addressing these gaps is essential for improving health outcomes,” she posits.

Any nation’s economic strength depends on the health of its workforce, according to Dr Mairo Suleiman, an economist and health advocate.

“Preventable diseases lower productivity and push households into poverty.

“The World Health Organisation estimates that every dollar invested in health generates four dollars in economic returns. Health is not just a social service; it is a smart economic investment,” Suleiman said.

Suleiman said that countries such as Rwanda have achieved economic gains by prioritising healthcare investments.

“Nigeria can replicate this success by increasing budgetary allocations, especially for primary healthcare,” Suleiman said.

Globally, countries that prioritise health experience better outcomes across all sectors.

Dr Obinna Paul, a public health expert, explains that “health is the cornerstone of sustainable development. Countries like Ethiopia have significantly reduced maternal and child mortality by focusing on primary healthcare. Nigeria must follow suit”.

Paul recommended strengthening primary healthcare as the first line of defense and increasing budgetary allocations for health, particularly in rural areas.

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He also advocates ensuring transparency and accountability in donor-funded programs.

In spite of challenges, there are opportunities to strengthen Nigeria’s health system.

Dr Aminu Magashi, Coordinator of, the African Health Budget Network (AHBN), said that over N2 trillion in confirmed donor support for 2025 can enhance healthcare delivery if used transparently.

Public-Private Partnership (PPP) also has the potential to bridge infrastructure gaps, while utilisation of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) can improve grassroots access to care.

The debate over budget priorities should not ignore the foundational role of health.

Experts agree that health enables education, security and economic progress.

“A healthy population is the greatest asset a country can have. Without health, other sectors cannot thrive. Nigeria must make health a top priority,” argues Suleiman.

As 2025 unfolds it is important that the government considers health investments as a necessity for national development.

By prioritising health, Nigeria can build a resilient, productive and prosperous future for all.