The President of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Mrs Njide Ndili, has described access to capital as the biggest obstacle facing private healthcare providers, saying the challenge continues to limit growth across the sector, particularly among small and medium-sized businesses.

Ndili stated this on Tuesday at the First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Healthcare Summit 2026 in Lagos, where the Bank unveiled a ₦20 billion Healthcare-Focused Fund to improve access to financing for healthcare businesses across Nigeria.

Speaking during a special industry address titled, “Building a Stronger Private Healthcare Sector: Leadership, Collaboration and Sustainable Financing for the Future,” Ndili said sustainable transformation of Nigeria’s healthcare sector would require stronger partnerships between government, financial institutions and private healthcare providers.

She welcomed the launch of the fund, describing it as a significant milestone in expanding access to financing for healthcare businesses.

According to her, affordable and fit-for-purpose financing remains one of the most important enablers of sustainable growth in the healthcare sector.

She urged that the financing initiative should prioritise small and medium-sized healthcare enterprises, including clinics, pharmacies, diagnostic centres, maternity homes and Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors, which she described as the backbone of healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

Drawing from HFN’s experience through PharmAccess’ Medical Credit Fund, Ndili said healthcare SMEs had demonstrated that they were bankable and capable of sustainable growth when financing was combined with technical assistance, investment readiness support, quality improvement and sound business practices.

She said, “Without question, access to capital is the single greatest constraint holding back the private healthcare sector, particularly small and medium-sized providers.”

The ₦20 billion fund was unveiled during the summit, themed “Financing Growth. Unlocking Opportunity. Building the Future of Healthcare,” which brought together healthcare leaders, policymakers, investors and development partners to discuss practical solutions for expanding sustainable healthcare financing.

As part of the launch, FCMB presented a ceremonial cheque representing the fund to HFNon on behalf of the country’s private healthcare sector. The presentation was made by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Kunle Salako, alongside FCMB executives.

Salako said the Federal Government remained committed to strengthening Nigeria’s health system through ongoing reforms and deeper collaboration with the private sector to advance Universal Health Coverage.

HFN said it would work with FCMB to develop the framework for accessing the fund and support eligible healthcare providers across the country to benefit from the financing initiative through its network of healthcare organisations and professionals.