Ghana: Atiku Asks Tinubu to Explain Nigeria's Health Deal With Us After Ghana's Rejection

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, representing the African Democratic Congress, has called for the immediate release of the full text of Nigeria's health agreement with the United States, following Ghana's rejection of a similar deal. Atiku's demand stems from President John Mahama's disclosure that Ghana declined the US proposal due to concerns over medical records, pathogen information, funding obligations, and inspection of imported medicines.

Atiku believes it is crucial for Nigerians to know the exact terms of the agreement, as they have been left speculating about the contents. He emphasized that the government must publish the full text to prevent misinformation. The deal, signed on December 19, 2025, covers disease surveillance, health data systems, and procedures involving pathogen samples. The US is expected to provide nearly $2 billion in grants, while Nigeria is projected to mobilize nearly $3 billion in domestic health financing over five years.

Atiku highlighted that Nigeria's healthcare crisis, which includes an estimated 75,000 maternal deaths in 2023, did not begin under Tinubu's administration. He questioned the government's capacity to meet its domestic funding commitments, citing the Ministry of Health's 2025 capital budget, where only ₦36 million was released from the ₦218 billion appropriated. He urged the government to explain how it intends to honor the multibillion-dollar commitment if it cannot release funds for approved health projects.

Atiku called for transparency regarding the agreement, including related protocols, annexes, data-sharing arrangements, specimen-sharing agreements, and financial undertakings. He asked, "Can Nigerians' medical information or pathogen samples leave the country? Who may access them? What safeguards protect patients? Does NAFDAC retain full authority to inspect medicines and medical products? What exactly have the federal government and the states promised to spend?"

The former vice president reiterated Nigeria's welcome for international cooperation that saves lives but insisted on accountability for the terms accepted and the results delivered, including the nation's expanding partnership with France.