The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the establishment of a National Snakebite Treatment and Research Centre, alongside N73.9 billion for key health procurements aimed at improving access to essential medicines and strengthening healthcare delivery across Nigeria.

The approvals were announced by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, after Monday’s FEC meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu.

According to Pate, Nigeria records about 43,000 snakebite cases annually, with the North-East, North-West and North-Central regions most affected. The new centre will provide specialised treatment, conduct research, improve access to quality antivenom and collaborate with international partners.

The council also approved N6.9 billion for the National Blood Service Agency to procure 10 CNG-powered mobile blood donation clinics to enhance blood collection and distribution nationwide.

In addition, FEC approved N62 billion for the procurement of tuberculosis (TB) commodities to reduce reliance on foreign donors and support local production of TB medicines. Another N5 billion was approved for the National Primary Health Care Development Agency to purchase reproductive health and family planning commodities to improve maternal healthcare services.

Pate said the approvals reflect the Tinubu administration’s commitment to strengthening health infrastructure, expanding access to essential medicines and promoting local pharmaceutical manufacturing.