… Says administrative delays could undermine efforts to curb tuberculosis and save lives
…Calls for swift procurement, transparent implementation, and support for local drug manufacturing
The Safe-Revive Africa, (SRA), has urged the Federal Government to release without delay the recently approved ₦62 billion for the procurement of tuberculosis (TB) commodities, warning that administrative bottlenecks could undermine efforts to save lives and curb the disease.
The public health non-governmental organisation also called on relevant government agencies to fast-track procurement, address existing shortages of TB commodities in health facilities, ensure timely distribution of medicines to states and treatment centres, and provide regular public updates on the implementation of the intervention.
The appeals followed the approval of the ₦62 billion intervention by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), as part of broader measures to strengthen Nigeria’s disease control architecture.
In a statement signed by its President, Dr Oluremi N. Olaleye, SRA described the approval as a landmark and timely investment in the fight against tuberculosis, one of the country’s most pressing public health challenges.
The organisation specifically urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Budget Office of the Federation, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, and other relevant agencies to release the approved funds promptly and without administrative delay.
While commending the administration for the intervention, SRA stressed that the real impact of the approval would depend on how quickly and transparently it is implemented.
“As an organisation working directly within communities affected by preventable diseases, we understand that the true measure of this approval will not be the size of the allocation, but the speed and integrity with which it translates into medicines reaching patients who need them,” the statement said.
The organisation warned that every day of delay could cost lives, while swift implementation would move Nigeria closer to ending preventable deaths from tuberculosis.
It further called for the use of emergency public health procurement procedures where applicable, speedy resolution of commodity shortages across health facilities, prompt distribution of TB medicines upon procurement, and transparent communication with civil society and the public on implementation progress.
SRA noted that Nigeria continues to account for a significant share of the global tuberculosis burden, while many communities have struggled with shortages of TB medicines, treatment interruptions, and inadequate local production capacity.
According to the organisation, the approved funding offers an opportunity to reduce the country’s dependence on external donor support and build a more sustainable, self-reliant response to tuberculosis.
It also welcomed the Federal Government’s emphasis on supporting local manufacturing of anti-TB medicines, describing the move as critical to improving the availability, affordability, and timely delivery of life-saving commodities.
SRA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting tuberculosis awareness campaigns, treatment adherence, and community mobilisation efforts across Lagos and beyond, while pledging to continue working with government agencies, civil society organisations, and development partners to ensure the investment delivers lasting public health benefits.
