NHIA reports 40% increase in health insurance coverage in one year

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) announced that health insurance coverage in Nigeria increased by 40% over the past year, growing from 16.7 million to 19.2 million enrollees.

This accomplishment, the agency noted, surpassed the presidential target for health insurance coverage in 2024.

During an end-of-year briefing on Wednesday in Abuja, NHIA Director-General, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, shared the agency’s progress and future plans, including a target to increase coverage by an additional 20% in 2025.

“For nearly three decades, Nigeria’s health insurance coverage stagnated at just seven per cent, focusing primarily on formal sector employees while neglecting the vulnerable and informal sectors. With the passage of the National Health Insurance Act 2022, we are committed to ensuring financial protection for all Nigerians, particularly the poor and vulnerable,” Dr. Ohiri stated.

He further explained that the health insurance coverage growth from 16.7 million to 19.2 million enrollees was made possible through collaboration with private insurers, State Health Insurance Agencies, and Health Maintenance Organisations.

Dr. Ohiri acknowledged the challenges posed by Nigeria’s fragmented health insurance system, which includes 83 private insurers and 37 state health insurance agencies. Despite these challenges, he stressed the need to rebuild public trust, ensure regulatory compliance, and increase awareness to encourage more Nigerians to enrol in health insurance.

“Trust is key. Nigerians must be confident that they will receive the promised care when they are insured,” he added.

The NHIA has increased capitation rates by 60% and professional fees by 40% to align with rising medical costs while conducting actuarial studies to ensure that premiums reflect industry best practices.

Looking ahead, Dr. Ohiri reaffirmed the agency’s goal of achieving a 20% increase in enrollment by utilising advanced technology to streamline operations. This includes expanding access to comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care services in over 100 facilities nationwide and collaborating with the National Pension Commission to provide health insurance for retirees.

“Our vision is to create a system where every Nigerian has access to quality healthcare irrespective of socio-economic status,” Dr. Ohiri stated. “We are not just building a scheme; we are building an authority that redefines healthcare delivery in Nigeria. Every reform we implement revolves around the patient’s needs.”