ADC flags ‘conflicting narratives’ in Nigeria–US health pact, demands full disclosure

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has asked the federal government to publicly disclose and clarify the exact terms of the health cooperation memorandum of understanding (MoU) recently signed between Nigeria and the United States, warning that conflicting official descriptions of the agreement raise constitutional and sovereignty concerns.

The party’s demand follows differing accounts by Nigerian and US officials of the five-year bilateral health agreement signed in December. While the Nigerian government has described the MoU as a broad framework to strengthen health security and domestic health financing, official US statements frame the partnership as prioritising support for Christian faith-based healthcare providers.

The MoU is expected to expand access to preventive and curative services in areas such as HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, and polio. Under the agreement, the US plans to commit nearly $2.1 billion to Nigeria’s health sector over five years, while Nigeria is expected to increase domestic health spending by almost $3 billion within the same period.

However, US officials have also said the agreement remains subject to broader American foreign policy priorities, with the US president and secretary of state retaining the power to suspend or terminate programmes that no longer align with US national interests.

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In a statement on Sunday, Bolaji Abdullahi, spokesperson of the ADC, said the party was troubled by what it described as “materially different” public framings of the same agreement.

According to Abdullahi, the Nigerian government’s version presents the MoU as inclusive and nationally focused, while the US description introduces religious and identity-based elements that were absent from Nigeria’s account.

He warned that any targeting of public health funding on the basis of religion would violate Nigeria’s constitution and threaten national cohesion.

“The US characterisation introduces religious, identity-based framing, suggesting that spending under the MoU could be directed at health institutions linked to a particular religion,” the statement said.

“It is the ADC’s considered view that Nigeria should not enter into any agreement that is sectional or potentially inimical to its constitutional commitment to inclusion and national unity.”

Abdullahi said the party was particularly concerned that provisions granting the US unilateral powers to pause or terminate programmes were not reflected in the federal government’s public explanation of the deal.

“This divergence goes beyond a communication issue,” he said. “It raises serious questions about transparency, constitutional compliance and national sovereignty.”

Citing section 42(1) of the 1999 Constitution, the ADC said no Nigerian should be discriminated against on the basis of religion, place of origin, sex or political opinion. The party also referenced sections 15 and 17, which require the state to promote national integration and equality of opportunity.

“Any international agreement, or public framing of such an agreement, that introduces identity-based distinctions into the provision of public services raises grave constitutional concerns,” Abdullahi said.

He called on the federal government to state clearly which version of the MoU reflects the actual terms signed, explain the discrepancies between the Nigerian and US accounts, and justify Nigeria’s higher financial commitment under the agreement.

Oluwatosin Ogunjuyigbe is a writer and journalist who covers business, finance, technology, and the changing forces shaping Nigeria’s economy. He focuses on turning complex ideas into clear, compelling stories.

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