The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced a significant milestone, reporting that 19.2 million Nigerians are now enrolled in health insurance schemes, exceeding its 2024 target.
During a roundtable event held in Abuja to commemorate Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day, Director-General of the NHIA, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, emphasized the organization’s ongoing commitment to expanding healthcare access across the nation. This achievement positions Nigeria at 95% of its ambitious goal to provide health coverage by 2027.
Ohiri credited the success to strategic policy reforms and strong collaborations with relevant stakeholders. He stated, “We are proud to announce that 19.2 million Nigerians have been covered by health insurance. This surpasses our 2024 target and positions us closer to achieving the 2027 presidential goal.”
He highlighted innovative strategies, including the expansion of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) and partnerships with state health insurance agencies, to ensure healthcare is both affordable and accessible, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Despite ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare sector—such as funding constraints, infrastructure deficits, and workforce shortages—Ohiri expressed optimism for the future. He outlined the NHIA’s roadmap for 2025-2027, which focuses on improving digital enrollment processes and including informal sector workers in the health insurance scheme.
In his remarks, Ohiri emphasized the pressing need to prioritize Primary Health Care (PHC) as the foundation of the health system. He also called upon state governments and private sector stakeholders to enhance their efforts in sustaining progress and closing existing gaps in health coverage.
The Commissioner for Health in Yobe State, Dr. Muhammad Lawal, affirmed the commitment to making UHC a reality, stating there should be no negotiation regarding the health of the most vulnerable citizens.
Dr. Bolanle Olusola-Faleye from the USAID LHSS Project remarked on the positive impact of reforms like the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp), noting that it has demonstrated success through a harmonized Annual Operational Plan.
Public health advocates praised the advancement on UHC, describing it as a significant step toward equitable healthcare access in Nigeria. The Co-convener of the UHC2023 Forum, Dr. Garfa Alawode, acknowledged the achievement but stressed the need for continued progress to ensure affordable, quality healthcare for all Nigerians.
As Nigeria moves closer to its 2027 health insurance goals, Alawode called for sustained political will, increased funding, and effective monitoring to ensure that the gains translate into improved health outcomes for all citizens. UHC Day serves as a global reminder of the importance of equitable and affordable healthcare for everyone.
