The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has shattered expectations, achieving 99% more than the federal government’s two-year health insurance target—propelling its enrollment from 16.7 million to around 19.2 million Nigerians.
NHIA Director-General Dr. Kelechi Ohiri revealed this during the Universal Health Coverage Day briefing in December 2024 in Abuja. He highlighted the dramatic 40% surge in enrollment within a year, attributing it to the effective implementation of the National Health Insurance Act 2022 and stronger collaboration with private insurers, state agencies, and Health Maintenance Organizations.
The Authority also made bold changes to benefit packages and funding:
- Capitation rates were increased by up to 60%, with professional fees up by 40%, to match rising medical costs.
- Vulnerable groups benefitted significantly: 2.4 million Nigerians received coverage under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), and more than 1,000 women received free obstetric fistula treatment.
- Strategic programs like CeMoNC (Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care) were expanded, and pensioners were earmarked for future coverage.
- A fully digital platform is in development to streamline enrollment, claims, and complaint resolution.
Dr. Ohiri stressed the importance of rebuilding public trust and enforcing regulatory compliance amidst Nigeria’s fragmented insurance environment.
Looking ahead to 2025, NHIA aims to grow enrollment by another 20%, expand maternal and emergency care services, and launch the PenCom collaboration for retirees. A complete shift to electronic operations and increased citizen engagement are central to the strategy.
“The NHIA is not just scaling numbers; we’re redefining healthcare delivery in Nigeria,” Dr. Ohiri declared. With nearly 20 million Nigerians insured and ambitious plans underway, the NHIA is charging confidently toward universal health coverage.
