Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has asked the Federal Government to publish Nigeria’s health agreement with the United States. The demand follows Ghana’s rejection of a proposed pact with Washington. Nigeria signed a five-year health memorandum of understanding with the US in December 2025. It covers disease surveillance, health data systems and pathogen samples.
Nigeria and the US have partnered on health for years. The US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief has spent billions in Nigeria since 2003. The 2025 memorandum expands cooperation. It covers data sharing and pathogen samples. Similar agreements have faced scrutiny globally. In 2024, Ghana rejected a proposed health pact over sovereignty concerns. The US sought other partners. Nigeria signed.
Atiku, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, said Nigerians should know whether provisions rejected by Ghana are included in Nigeria’s agreement. He questioned how Nigeria would meet its funding commitments. He cited limited releases for approved health projects. He called for the publication of the full agreement. He wants details on data-sharing arrangements, specimen-sharing protocols and financial commitments. He said international healthcare partnerships should remain subject to public accountability.
The US is expected to provide nearly $2 billion in grants. Nigeria has made health spending commitments projected at about $3 billion. The figures are significant. The agreement spans five years. It covers sensitive areas. Pathogen samples raise sovereignty questions. Health data raises privacy concerns. Atiku’s demand is reasonable. Transparency protects national interests.
The government has not responded. It may publish the agreement. It may not. The 2027 election is approaching. Health policy is a campaign issue. Atiku is positioning himself as a defender of transparency.
Winners: Atiku, who gains a campaign issue. Transparency advocates, who gain support. Nigerians, if the agreement is published. Losers: The Federal Government, which faces pressure. The US, if the agreement is scrutinised. Officials who prefer opacity. No serious losers if transparency prevails.
Bottom Line: Atiku wants the US health pact published. Ghana rejected a similar deal. Nigerians deserve to know what was signed. Transparency is not a favour. It is a right.