Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to publish the full text of Nigeria’s health agreement with the United States.

Atiku made the demand following Ghanaian President John Mahama’s disclosure that his country rejected a proposed US health compact after concerns were raised over medical records, pathogen information, counterpart funding and the inspection of imported medicines.

In a statement issued by his Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said Nigerians needed to know whether provisions rejected by Ghana were contained in the agreement signed by Nigeria.

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

Nigeria signed a five-year Health Memorandum of Understanding with the US on December 19, 2025. The agreement covers disease surveillance, health data systems and procedures relating to the collection, transportation, testing, storage and disposal of pathogen samples.

The US is expected to provide nearly $2 billion in grants, while Nigeria has made commitments projected to mobilise nearly $3 billion in domestic health financing over five years.

Atiku questioned the government’s ability to meet its domestic funding commitments, citing Health Minister Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate’s disclosure to lawmakers that only N36 million had been released from the N218 billion appropriated for capital projects and programmes at the Ministry of Health headquarters in 2025.

He also raised questions about the handling of Nigerians’ medical information and pathogen samples, asking who would have access to such information and what safeguards would be applied.

Atiku further asked whether the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) would retain full authority to inspect medicines and medical products imported under the agreement.

He said international cooperation capable of improving healthcare was welcome but argued that the government should be accountable for the terms of agreements entered into on behalf of Nigerians.

Atiku also cited Nigeria’s maternal health challenges, referring to estimates of about 75,000 maternal deaths recorded in 2023, and questioned what measures the administration was taking to improve outcomes.

He urged the Federal Government to make the agreement public and explain its financial and operational implications, saying Nigerians should be able to examine the commitments made on their behalf.

“Ghana examined the proposal before it and said no. Nigeria has already signed. Tinubu must now tell Nigerians exactly what he said yes to,” Atiku said.