Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called on the Federal Government to publish the full text of Nigeria’s health agreement with the United States, following Ghana’s reported rejection of a proposed health pact with Washington.

Atiku made the demand in a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of his campaign council. Nigeria signed a five-year health Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the US on December 19, 2025.

According to the Federal Ministry of Health, the agreement covers disease surveillance, health data systems and procedures involving pathogen samples.

The United States is expected to provide nearly $2 billion in grants, while Nigeria has made health-spending commitments projected to mobilise about $3 billion over five years.

Atiku’s call followed comments by Ghanaian President John Mahama that his government rejected a proposed US health compact over concerns relating to medical records, pathogen information, funding obligations and the inspection of imported medicines.

The former vice-president said Nigerians should be allowed to know whether similar provisions are contained in the agreement signed by Nigeria.

He argued that the government should publish the complete document, including related protocols, annexes, data-sharing arrangements, specimen-sharing agreements and financial undertakings.

Atiku also questioned Nigeria’s capacity to meet its domestic financial commitments under the agreement, citing challenges in funding approved health projects.

He referenced comments by Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, who reportedly told lawmakers during his 2025 budget defence that only N36 million had been released from the N218 billion appropriated for capital projects and programmes at the ministry’s headquarters.

He further raised concerns about Nigeria’s maternal mortality situation and questioned the extent to which government policies had improved maternal healthcare delivery.

While acknowledging the potential benefits of international cooperation in strengthening healthcare, Atiku said the government must be transparent about the terms of agreements entered into on behalf of Nigerians and accountable for their implementation.

He also called for disclosure of other international commitments by the administration, including its expanding partnership with France.