The Federal Government has approved the release of N9.99 billion for the procurement of antiretroviral (ARV) medicines and the rehabilitation of cancer treatment facilities nationwide.
The approval was granted on Wednesday by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) during its meeting at the State House, Abuja.
Briefing journalists after the session, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, said the funding would immediately address concerns over a possible shortage of HIV medication in the country.
He acknowledged that earlier fears had emerged about Nigeria running out of ARVs but assured that the latest decision had effectively resolved the issue.
According to him, the contract for the procurement of ARVs under the Presidential Treatment Programme has been awarded to Fidson Healthcare.
The company will supply life-saving drugs for millions of Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS.
Salako noted that the move aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s plan to strengthen the local healthcare value chain by supporting domestic pharmaceutical firms.
He explained that government patronage would help create revenue, expand market opportunities, and boost local production capacity.
He further disclosed that Fidson represents global pharmaceutical brand Hetero in Nigeria and is working towards commencing local manufacturing of ARVs.
Nigeria currently provides free HIV treatment under the presidential initiative, a programme that has sustained millions on antiretroviral therapy over the years.
In a related development, FEC also approved funding for the replacement, upgrade, and training of personnel in six cancer treatment centres — one in each geopolitical zone.
The intervention is expected to ensure continued access to radiotherapy, a critical component of cancer care.
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Cancer treatment in Nigeria has long been challenged by outdated or non-functional radiotherapy machines, pushing many patients to seek expensive medical care abroad.
The government said the upgrades would significantly improve access to essential cancer services within the country.
Addressing concerns over the ongoing Lassa fever outbreak, Salako revealed that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control is actively supporting affected states with additional personnel and medical supplies.
He described Lassa fever as a recurring seasonal health issue and disclosed that Nigeria is investing in vaccine development while intensifying public awareness campaigns to curb infections.
The minister also urged healthcare workers to strictly observe safety protocols, including the use of protective gear, particularly during peak outbreak periods.
Lassa fever remains endemic in Nigeria, with outbreaks commonly recorded during the dry season between November and May.
The viral disease is transmitted through contact with food or surfaces contaminated by infected rodents and can also spread in healthcare settings where infection control measures are inadequate.
Authorities say strengthening treatment capacity and disease response systems remains critical to protecting lives and improving national health outcomes.