The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced that 19.2 million Nigerians are now covered under various health insurance schemes, surpassing its target for 2024.
Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, Director-General of the NHIA, revealed this achievement during a Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day roundtable in Abuja. The event aimed to reflect on Nigeria’s progress toward universal health coverage, address ongoing challenges, and devise strategies for the future.
Ohiri described this milestone as a significant step in expanding access to healthcare for Nigerians and noted that the achievement is 95% of the country’s ambitious goal of providing health insurance to 95% of the population by 2027. He attributed this success to strategic policy reforms, partnerships with stakeholders, and a steadfast commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian has access to healthcare.
“We are proud to announce that 19.2 million Nigerians are now covered under health insurance, surpassing our 2024 target and bringing us closer to our 2027 presidential goal,” Ohiri said.
The NHIA’s progress includes expanding the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) and collaborating with state health insurance agencies to make healthcare affordable and accessible to vulnerable populations. Despite challenges like funding constraints and inadequate infrastructure, Ohiri expressed optimism, noting that the agency’s strategic roadmap for 2025–2027 includes expanding digital enrollment and integrating informal sector workers into the insurance scheme.
Dr. Muhammad Lawal, Yobe State Commissioner for Health, stressed that achieving universal health coverage (UHC) must be prioritized, especially for vulnerable groups. Dr. Bolanle Olusola-Faleye of the USAID LHSS Project highlighted the success of the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp), which has aligned health priorities across states and shown measurable results.
Public health advocates, including Dr. Garfa Alawode, co-convener of the UHC2023 Forum, lauded the progress but called for sustained political commitment, increased funding, and robust monitoring to ensure continued improvement in health outcomes.
UHC Day is celebrated globally to raise awareness about the importance of equitable, affordable, and accessible healthcare for all, without financial hardship.
