ADC Demands Transparency on US–Nigeria Health Cooperation Deal

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the federal government to publicly disclose the full details of a recent health cooperation agreement between Nigeria and the United States, saying Nigerians deserve to know how the deal affects the country’s health system and public finances.

In a statement issued by party officials, the ADC said while international partnerships in healthcare are welcome, secrecy around agreements involving public health raises concerns about accountability, funding obligations, and long-term policy direction.

The party asked the Ministry of Health and relevant agencies to clarify the scope of the agreement, including areas of cooperation, financial commitments, data-sharing provisions, and whether the deal involves private contractors or pharmaceutical suppliers.

According to the ADC, transparency is necessary to ensure that such partnerships align with national health priorities such as primary healthcare strengthening, disease surveillance, maternal and child health, and access to affordable medicines.

The party also expressed concern about possible policy conditions attached to foreign-funded programmes, warning that poorly negotiated agreements could limit Nigeria’s control over critical health decisions or create future financial burdens for states and local governments.

It urged the National Assembly to exercise oversight by reviewing the agreement and engaging health sector stakeholders, including professional associations and civil society groups, before full implementation.

Government officials have not yet released detailed terms of the agreement, but sources within the health sector say the partnership is aimed at improving disease prevention, health worker training, and emergency response capacity, building on existing bilateral health programmes.

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Analysts note that Nigeria has long benefited from international support in areas such as HIV, malaria, and immunisation, but recent debates over data protection, procurement processes, and sustainability have increased public scrutiny of foreign-backed health initiatives.

Public health experts say clear communication is essential to prevent misinformation and to build public trust, especially at a time when health systems are under pressure from funding gaps, workforce shortages, and rising disease burdens.

The ADC said its demand is not an attempt to politicise healthcare but to ensure that national interest, patient safety, and financial responsibility remain central to any international agreement.

The party concluded by urging the government to publish the agreement or provide a detailed briefing, insisting that openness will strengthen confidence in health sector reforms and reassure Nigerians that the partnership serves public, not private, interests.