The Right to Health Care in Nigeria and the United Nations Convention on the Right to Universal Health Care

Abstract

This study examines the extent to which Nigeria has fulfilled its obligations concerning the realization of the right to health and identifies the major obstacles hindering effective health care delivery. The study adopts a doctrinal research methodology, relying on the analysis of relevant international human rights instruments, national laws, government policies, judicial decisions, and scholarly literature relating to health care rights and health sector governance in Nigeria. The findings reveal that the realization of the right to health in Nigeria is constrained by underfunding, inadequate and deteriorating infrastructure, unequal geographical distribution of facilities, shortage of qualified personnel, weak governance structures, corruption, and poor policy implementation. These challenges disproportionately affect vulnerable and marginalized groups, particularly rural communities, women, children, persons with disabilities, and low-income populations, thereby exacerbating existing socioeconomic inequalities and contributing to poor health outcomes. The study recommends increased government investment in the health sector in line with international standards, improved transparency and accountability in the management of health resources, strengthening of primary health care systems, equitable distribution of health facilities and personnel, enhanced intergovernmental coordination, and greater collaboration with civil society organizations and international development partners. It concludes that a comprehensive multi-stakeholder approach is essential to ensuring the effective realization of the right to health and achieving universal access to quality health care services for all persons in Nigeria.