NHIA Surpasses 2024 Health Insurance Target with 19.2 Million Nigerians Enrolled
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced a major milestone, with 19.2 million Nigerians now enrolled in health insurance schemes. This achievement surpasses the NHIA’s 2024 target and places the country at 95% of its ambitious 2027 presidential coverage goal.
The NHIA Director-General, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, disclosed this during a roundtable held in Abuja as part of the 2024 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day commemoration. The event brought together key stakeholders to reflect on Nigeria’s progress toward UHC, identify challenges, and outline strategies for further action.
“We are proud to announce that 19.2 million Nigerians have been covered by health insurance,” Ohiri said. “This surpasses our 2024 target and places us within striking distance of achieving 95% of the 2027 presidential target.”
Dr. Ohiri attributed the success to strategic policy reforms, expanded partnerships with state health insurance agencies, and the effective implementation of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF). These efforts have ensured greater access to affordable healthcare, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Despite this progress, Ohiri highlighted ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare system, including funding limitations, infrastructure deficits, and a shortage of healthcare professionals. However, he expressed optimism, noting that the NHIA’s 2025–2027 roadmap includes plans to scale up digital enrollment processes and integrate informal sector workers into the insurance scheme.
“This milestone reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare as outlined in the National Health Act,” Ohiri added, urging state governments and private sector stakeholders to sustain the momentum and bridge remaining gaps in health insurance coverage.
Public health advocates have lauded the progress as a significant step toward achieving UHC in Nigeria. Dr. Garfa Alawode, Co-convener of the UHC2023 Forum, called the accomplishment commendable but emphasized the need for sustained political will, increased funding, and effective monitoring to translate these gains into improved health outcomes for all Nigerians.
The Commissioner for Health in Yobe State, Dr. Muhammad Lawal, underscored the importance of prioritizing the health of vulnerable populations, describing UHC as a non-negotiable goal. Similarly, Dr. Bolanle Olusola-Faleye of the USAID LHSS Project praised the integration of reforms such as the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp), which has demonstrated success through harmonized Annual Operational Plans in various states.
UHC Day, celebrated globally, raises awareness about the importance of equitable, affordable, and accessible healthcare for all without financial hardship. This year’s theme, according to Dr. Ohiri, underscores the role of primary healthcare as the foundation of a robust health system.
As Nigeria edges closer to its 2027 health insurance target, stakeholders are calling for collective efforts to ensure that the progress achieved so far is sustained and expanded.
