In order to ensure accountability and transparency at the PHC level, the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) is deploying one Performance and Financial Management Officer per Local Government Area (LGA) to track the utilization of BHCPF funds to improve service delivery and value for money.
The deployment of the PFMOs is in line with the NPHCDA strategic blueprint, which aims to ensure that all Nigerians have equitable access to affordable and quality healthcare services through a PHC system they trust.
The 2-day onboarding and training for the 774 PFMOs commenced on Monday, 19th May 2025, across the states. The objective of the onboarding is to equip PFMOs with the skills, tools, and knowledge required to ensure accountability, service improvement, strengthen reporting mechanisms, and enhance resource utilization at Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) facilities across the country.
Working with the SWAp office and other MDAs, under the leadership of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mohammed Ali Pate, several reforms of BHCPF have been initiated, including the engagement and deployment of Performance and Financial Management Officers (PFMOs), implementation of a financial management app, and investing in PHC revitalization, among others. The reforms are aimed at improving transparency, visibility, value for money, and accountability.
Selected PFMOs, one per LGA across the 36 states including FCT, will be issued data collection tablets. The team will use a secure and bespoke data management app to collect, process, and visualize the information obtained from health facilities. Also, the app will track facility infrastructure, including electricity and backup systems, monitor device availability, and flag renovation needs. It will also ensure compliance with SOPs and clinical standards across PHCs. Furthermore, the data collection app will support administrative, clinical, financial, and operational processes across multiple levels, from individual PFMOs to national stakeholders.
Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Director/CEO, NPHCDA, in his keynote address stated that the recruitment process of the PFMOs was rigorous and transparent and assured them of the government’s support to provide needed resources and tools to facilitate their work.
“We went through a rigorous process to select all of these people, and we have now selected 774,” Dr. Muyi said.
As PFMOs resume their role, it is our hope that this initiative will institutionalize accountability at the grassroots level of health care, ensure that decisions at the PHC level are evidence-based and guided by accurate and timely data, and reaffirm our commitment to strengthening the primary health care system in Nigeria and healthy communities across Nigeria.