The Federal Government has signed a five-year, $5.1 billion bilateral health cooperation agreement with the United States.
Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, disclosed this on Monday during the Federal Government’s end-of-year Press Conference held in Abuja.
According to the Minister, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) provides $2.1 billion in grant funding from the United States, while Nigeria will commit $3 billion over the five-year period.
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The agreement is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system, improving service delivery, and attracting investment into the health sector.
Idris said the deal reflects improved diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the United States following recent interactions between both countries.
“Just last week, the Federal Government of Nigeria signed a five-year, $5.1 billion bilateral health cooperation MoU with the government of the United States. This partnership will strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, save lives, and attract investment,” he said.
The Minister noted that the agreement counters claims that Nigeria’s relationship with the United States had weakened, stressing that the country remains an active partner in international cooperation.
Reviewing the Bola Tinubu administration’s performance in 2025, Idris described the year as one focused on stabilisation and reform.
He cited key economic indicators, including a 3.98% GDP growth in the third quarter of 2025, eight consecutive months of declining inflation to 14.45% in November, and external reserves of about $44.56 billion.
He also said Nigeria exited the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List in 2025 and recorded a trade surplus of N6.69 trillion in the third quarter of the year.
On security, the Minister confirmed the release of all 230 abducted pupils of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State, following the rescue of the remaining 130 students. He said the Federal Government sympathised with the affected families and reaffirmed its commitment to preventing similar incidents.
Idris further disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a nationwide security emergency in 2025 and approved a new national counterterrorism doctrine. Under the framework, groups involved in kidnapping or violent attacks will be treated as terrorist organisations.
On international engagements, Idris said Nigeria regained its Category C seat on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council after 14 years and secured hosting rights for major events, including the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2027 and the World Public Relations Forum in 2026.
He also highlighted the N58.18 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill presented to the National Assembly by President Tinubu.
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According to him, the budget prioritises security, infrastructure, and economic consolidation, with N26.08 trillion allocated to capital expenditure and N5.41 trillion to defence and security.
“The journey of 2025 was one of reinforcing foundations. The mission of 2026 is to build a secure, competitive, and prosperous Nigeria,” the Minister said.
He urged Nigerians to support ongoing reforms, noting that while they may present short-term challenges, they are intended to deliver long-term benefits.
Ladi Patrick-Okwoli
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