More than half of Nigerians lack confidence in their ability to access and afford quality healthcare, according to the 2025 Patient Perception Survey.
Findings from the survey, contained in the Joint Annual Review Health Sector Statistical Book 2025 by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, revealed that only 48% of respondents said they feel “health secure,” confident that they can get and afford quality care if they fall sick.
This means that 52% of Nigerians do not feel health secure, highlighting a widespread concern over the accessibility and affordability of healthcare services in the country.
The 2025 Patient Perception Survey was conducted across 36 states and the FCT with a nationally representative sample of 2,657 respondents to provide insights into citizens interaction and perception of the Nigerian healthcare system.
Accoring to the report, “patients’ confidence in the health system shows there is need for improvement: only 48% feel assured they can access and afford quality care when sick.”
The survey found that the majority (64%) of respondents reported visiting a health facility between one and five times in the past year, though preventive care services such as sexual health remain underutilized (26%).
It also found that health insurance coverage remains low at just 12%. The report, however noted that satisfaction with the healthcare system is relatively high, with 75% of respondents rating the overall quality of care positively.
While most respondents (73%) spent less than an hour during health visits, 22% perceived delays and inefficiencies during service delivery.
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Commenting on the report at the Joint Annual Review (JAR) conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Muhammad Pate, coordinating minister of Health and Social Welfare said the findings were encouraging, but expressed concerns that affordability remains a major concern for citizens.
“The proportion of citizens who believe that government considers their views in health decision-making now stands at nearly half the population. Primary healthcare services remains strong at 74 percent. This is a commendable result given the tremendous challenges our system still faces”, Pate said.
“Access to services is improving, but affordability must improve further. I am pleased to note that, through the commitment of the Ministers of Finance and Budget, plans such as the Medical Relief Programme and expanded social health protection are underway to ease these pressures”, Pate added.
