Nigeria Health Spending
Current health expenditure as % of GDP SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS
Nigeria's health spending was 5.06% in 2025, ranked 129th globally. This represents a 20.9% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2000–2025.
Overview
Nigeria's health spending stood at 5.06% in 2025, a rise of +0.87% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 5.06% by 2025. Nigeria ranked 129th globally.
Nigeria’s health spending as a share of gross domestic product has risen steadily over the 25‑year series, climbing from 3.20 % in 2000 to an all‑time peak of 5.06 % in 2025, the highest level recorded since the trough of 2.49 % in 2002. The 2025 figure places Nigeria at rank 129 globally and aligns closely with peers such as Kyrgyz Republic (5.06 %) and Cameroon (5.08 %). The upward trajectory reflects expanded public financing and modest improvements in service delivery, yet the level remains below the regional average for upper‑middle‑income economies, indicating scope for further investment. Continued fiscal consolidation, coupled with reforms that enhance efficiency and broaden insurance coverage, could sustain the current momentum and push health expenditure beyond the 5 % threshold, narrowing the gap with higher‑spending counterparts.
Data & projection
| Year | Health Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 5.39% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 5.06% | - | - |
| 2025 | 5.06% | +0.87% | #129 |
| 2023 | 4.19% | −0.02% | #41 |
| 2022 | 4.21% | +0.13% | #45 |
| 2021 | 4.08% | +0.70% | #32 |
| 2020 | 3.38% | +0.40% | #15 |
| 2019 | 2.99% | −0.11% | #14 |
| 2018 | 3.09% | −0.66% | #19 |
| 2017 | 3.75% | +0.10% | #28 |
| 2016 | 3.65% | +0.07% | #25 |
| 2015 | 3.58% | +0.23% | #22 |
| 2014 | 3.35% | −0.07% | #22 |
| 2013 | 3.42% | +0.06% | #26 |
| 2012 | 3.36% | +0.04% | #31 |
| 2011 | 3.32% | +0.02% | #29 |
| 2010 | 3.30% | −0.28% | #26 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Nigeria matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw health spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Nigeria's health spending was 5.06% in 2025. Ranked 129th globally. This represents a 20.9% increase from the previous year.
Nigeria's health spending peaked at 5.06% in 2025.
The lowest health spending in Nigeria was 2.49% in 2002.
Nigeria ranks 129th globally in health spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Nigeria's health spending is projected to reach 5.06% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The health spending of Nigeria in 2025 was 5.06%. This ranks 129th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_nigeria_health-spending,
title = {Nigeria Health Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/nigeria/health-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}