The United States has signed a five-year bilateral health agreement with Nigeria, committing nearly $2.1 billion to strengthen the country’s health system, with a significant focus on expanding health services based on the Christian faith.
According to the US State Department, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on December 20, will support HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, and polio prevention and treatment programs.
The agreement also requires Nigeria to increase its domestic health spending by almost $3 billion over the life of the MoU.
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The deal was announced in a statement on Saturday by Thomas Pigott, chief deputy spokesman for the US State Department, who described Nigeria’s financial commitment as the largest co-investment made by any country under the America First Global Health Strategy.
“Today, the United States Department of State signed a five-year bilateral Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Republic of Nigeria to strengthen Nigeria’s health system, with a strong emphasis on promoting Christian faith-based health care providers,” the statement said.
“Under this MoU, the State Department, working with Congress, seeks to commit nearly $2.1 billion to expand essential preventive and curative services for HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, and polio.
“In addition, Nigeria will increase its domestic health spending by almost $3 billion over the life of the MoU, the largest co-investment of any country to date under the America First Global Health Strategy.”
The State Department noted that the agreement was negotiated in connection with the Nigerian government’s reforms aimed at improving the protection of Christian communities from violence.
As part of the MoU, specific funds will be allocated to Christian health centers, particularly those that provide integrated services for infectious diseases as well as maternal and child health.
“The Memorandum of Understanding includes significant funding dedicated to supporting Christian healthcare facilities, with a focus on expanding access to integrated HIV, tuberculosis, malaria and maternal and child health services,” the statement added.
Nigeria currently has about 900 religious clinics and hospitals, which U.S. officials say serve more than 30 percent of the population. The State Department said the investment in these facilities is intended to complement government-run health services and strengthen the country’s overall health infrastructure.
“Nigeria’s 900 religious clinics and hospitals currently serve more than 30 percent of Nigerians, and investments in these facilities are uniquely positioned to complement efforts in public facilities,” the statement said.
The department also emphasized that US healthcare remains subject to review.
“As with all foreign assistance, the President and Secretary of State reserve the right to suspend or terminate any program that does not align with the national interest,” he added.
The deal comes amid increased US scrutiny of Nigeria, including recent travel restrictions imposed by Donald Trump’s administration, which cited national security concerns and visa overstay rates.
The America First global health strategy, released in September 2025, prioritizes bilateral agreements, greater co-investment from partner countries, and greater efforts to combat major infectious diseases while strengthening national health systems.