Nigerian Health Insurance Coverage Reaches 22 Million Amid Expansion Efforts
The National Health Insurance Authority reports 22 million Nigerians are now enrolled in health insurance, out of a population of 240 million, as mandatory coverage gains traction nationwide.
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Approximately 22 million Nigerians are now covered by health insurance, according to the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), representing a significant milestone in the country’s drive toward universal health coverage. With a population estimated at 240 million, this means about 9% of the population is formally insured.
Kelechi Ohiri, Director-General of the NHIA, attributed the increase to the ongoing implementation of the mandatory health insurance scheme, which has been expanding across states. “The rise in enrollment is a result of the implementation of the mandatory health insurance, which has gained momentum nationwide,” Ohiri stated, as reported by Vanguard News.
The NHIA has been working to scale up coverage under Nigeria’s Basic Health Care Provision Fund and other primary health care initiatives, aiming to reduce out-of-pocket expenditures and improve access to essential services. While enrollment has improved, significant challenges remain in extending coverage to the majority of the population, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
As efforts continue to broaden participation, the government faces the task of strengthening health infrastructure and ensuring sustainable financing. The NHIA’s data, cited by Peoples Gazette, underscores both progress made and the scale of the challenge ahead in achieving inclusive health coverage.