NHIA Surpasses 2024 Health Insurance Enrollment Target with 19.2 Million Nigerians Covered
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced that 19.2 million Nigerians have now enrolled in health insurance schemes, surpassing its 2024 target. This significant milestone was revealed by Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, Director-General of the NHIA, during a roundtable commemorating Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day in Abuja. The event aimed to reflect on Nigeria’s progress toward achieving UHC, identify challenges, and explore solutions.
Dr. Ohiri expressed pride in this achievement, emphasizing that it brings the country closer to its ambitious 2027 presidential target of providing health insurance coverage to 95% of Nigerians. He attributed the success to strategic policy reforms, effective collaboration with stakeholders, and a strong commitment to UHC.
“This accomplishment reflects the Federal Government’s dedication to improving healthcare access for all, as outlined in the National Health Act,” Dr. Ohiri said. He highlighted the expansion of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) and the NHIA’s partnerships with state health insurance agencies as key factors in expanding coverage, especially for vulnerable populations.
Despite the progress, Dr. Ohiri acknowledged the ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, such as funding constraints, infrastructure gaps, and a shortage of healthcare personnel. However, he expressed optimism about the future, noting that the NHIA’s strategic roadmap for 2025–2027 focuses on scaling up digital enrollment and integrating informal sector workers into the insurance system.
The theme of this year’s UHC Day, which emphasizes the need for health systems that reflect the aspirations of the country, underscored the importance of prioritizing Primary Health Care (PHC) as the foundation of Nigeria’s healthcare system. Dr. Ohiri called for greater efforts from state governments and private sector stakeholders to sustain progress and address remaining gaps in coverage.
In his remarks, Dr. Muhammad Lawal, Commissioner for Health in Yobe State, emphasized that UHC should be a non-negotiable goal, particularly for vulnerable populations. He stressed the need for continued work to ensure healthcare access for all Nigerians.
Dr. Bolanle Olusola-Faleye, of the USAID LHSS Project, praised the reforms, noting the success of the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) in harmonizing state healthcare priorities and demonstrating tangible improvements at the state level.
Public health advocates, including Dr. Garfa Alawode, Co-convener of the UHC2023 Forum, also lauded the progress, acknowledging it as a commendable step toward achieving UHC in Nigeria. However, Dr. Alawode urged that sustained political will, increased funding, and robust monitoring systems are essential to ensuring that the gains made are translated into tangible health outcomes for all citizens.
UHC Day, celebrated globally, advocates for equitable, affordable, and accessible healthcare for all individuals, without the burden of financial hardship.
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