First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has committed N20 billion to financing private healthcare businesses in Nigeria, as the Federal Government seeks greater private-sector investment to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and expand access to essential services.

The financing will support eligible healthcare providers with business expansion, equipment purchases, infrastructure, working capital and technology investments. It will also cover businesses across the eye-care value chain, helping providers increase capacity and improve service delivery.

FCMB’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Yemisi Edun, said the bank’s financing solutions could help viable healthcare businesses invest in their operations and extend services to more Nigerians.

She encouraged providers across the healthcare value chain, including eye-care businesses, to explore the available financing options.

The commitment comes amid calls for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to address healthcare financing and infrastructure needs.

Speaking at a public-private partnership roundtable organised by FCMB in Abuja, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, advocated blended finance, social impact bonds and corporate co-funding as mechanisms for strengthening healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to services.

Salako also commended FCMB and the Tulsi Chanrai Foundation (TCF) for their sustained partnership in eye care, urging more businesses to adopt similar approaches to supporting healthcare delivery.

Since 2009, more than 400,000 people have benefited from free eye-care services provided by FCMB and TCF through the Priceless Gift of Sight initiative. The programme offers eye testing, optical services, surgeries and disease management.