Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | Journalist at Weng Global
Nigeria has recorded a significant milestone in its journey toward universal health coverage, with the number of citizens enrolled in health insurance increasing by 35 percent year-on-year to more than 22 million.
The latest figures were disclosed by the Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, during the Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Association of Insurance and Pension Editors (NAIPE) held in Lagos. According to the NHIA, total enrolment has reached 22.03 million Nigerians, marking one of the strongest annual increases since the country’s health insurance reforms began.
The sharp rise in enrolment reflects the growing impact of the Federal Government’s healthcare reforms, particularly the implementation of mandatory health insurance under the National Health Insurance Authority Act 2022 and broader efforts to strengthen access to affordable healthcare nationwide.
Mandatory insurance policy driving growth
Speaking at the event, Ohiri attributed the impressive growth to increased collaboration among federal and state institutions as well as stronger enforcement of mandatory health insurance provisions.
He explained that the NHIA has worked closely with State Social Health Insurance Agencies (SSHIAs), Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), organized labour, employers and private-sector stakeholders to expand coverage across the country.
According to him, Nigeria has moved beyond developing policies and is now delivering measurable improvements in healthcare accessibility, consumer protection and service quality.
The NHIA chief noted that the authority is focusing not only on increasing enrolment numbers but also on ensuring that beneficiaries receive quality healthcare services whenever they access accredited facilities.
Federal reforms strengthening healthcare access
The increase in enrolment aligns with the Federal Government’s Health Sector Renewal Initiative, which seeks to improve financing, strengthen healthcare delivery and reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses for millions of Nigerians.
Health insurance remains one of the government’s major tools for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), ensuring that citizens receive medical treatment without suffering financial hardship.
For decades, Nigeria has struggled with one of Africa’s highest levels of out-of-pocket healthcare spending, with many families forced to pay directly for consultations, surgeries, medicines and emergency care.
Health experts have consistently argued that expanding insurance coverage is essential to protecting vulnerable households from catastrophic medical bills.
Under the NHIA Act signed into law in 2022, health insurance became mandatory for all Nigerians and legal residents, providing the legal framework for wider enrolment across both formal and informal sectors.
Collaboration with states producing results
One of the biggest contributors to the recent increase has been stronger cooperation between the NHIA and state governments.
Across Nigeria, State Social Health Insurance Agencies have intensified awareness campaigns, registered more beneficiaries and developed localized health insurance schemes targeting civil servants, informal workers, artisans and vulnerable populations.
Many states have also expanded enrolment through partnerships with development organizations and donor agencies supporting primary healthcare.
The collaboration has enabled more Nigerians living outside major urban centres to gain access to health insurance services.
Officials believe that continued state participation will be crucial if Nigeria hopes to achieve universal health coverage over the coming years.
Expanding coverage beyond public servants
Historically, health insurance in Nigeria largely benefited federal public servants.
However, recent reforms have broadened eligibility to include workers in the organized private sector, self-employed individuals, market traders, transport workers, students, retirees and vulnerable groups.
The NHIA has introduced multiple programmes designed to accommodate different categories of Nigerians, including the Group, Individual and Family Social Health Insurance Programme (GIFSHIP), private health insurance plans and schemes targeting elderly citizens and low-income households.
The authority says these programmes are intended to ensure that health insurance becomes accessible regardless of employment status or income level.
Reducing out-of-pocket healthcare costs
One of the government’s primary objectives is reducing the financial burden associated with illness.
According to health sector experts, many Nigerians delay seeking treatment because of the high cost of healthcare, resulting in preventable complications and deaths.
Health insurance spreads medical costs across a larger pool of contributors, allowing individuals to receive treatment without making large direct payments during emergencies.
Officials say increased enrolment will improve financial protection for households while strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system through more predictable funding.
Digital reforms improving efficiency
The NHIA has also introduced several administrative reforms aimed at improving enrolment and service delivery.
Digital registration systems, stronger monitoring mechanisms and improved verification processes have simplified access for new beneficiaries.
Healthcare providers and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) are also being monitored more closely to improve accountability and service quality.
These reforms are expected to increase public confidence in health insurance while minimizing delays in accessing care.
Presidential directive accelerates implementation
Momentum behind the reforms increased following President Bola Tinubu’s directive mandating implementation of health insurance across Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
The directive requires MDAs to enrol their workers under approved health insurance plans while integrating compliance into procurement processes and public service operations.
Government officials believe the policy will significantly expand enrolment among public sector workers while encouraging wider adoption across private institutions.
The administration maintains that broader insurance coverage is central to its Renewed Hope Agenda for healthcare reform.
Long-term target remains 50 million Nigerians
Although the latest milestone represents considerable progress, authorities acknowledge that substantial work remains.
Nigeria’s population exceeds 230 million people, meaning only a fraction of citizens are currently covered by health insurance.
The Federal Government has set an ambitious target of reaching 50 million enrollees within the next few years through sustained reforms, stronger state partnerships and expanded private-sector participation.
Health officials believe achieving this target would significantly improve national health indicators while reducing inequalities in healthcare access.
Earlier NHIA strategic plans identified expanding enrolment as one of the authority’s highest priorities under the current administration.
Experts call for sustained awareness
Despite the encouraging growth, healthcare analysts believe public education remains essential.
Many Nigerians, particularly in rural communities and the informal sector, are still unfamiliar with available insurance options or remain skeptical about the benefits.
Experts recommend stronger awareness campaigns, simplified registration procedures and continued investment in healthcare infrastructure to ensure that increased enrolment translates into improved patient experiences.
They also stress that expanding insurance coverage must be matched by investments in hospitals, healthcare workers, medicines and medical equipment to meet growing demand.
Looking ahead
The increase to more than 22 million insured Nigerians represents one of the country’s most significant healthcare achievements in recent years.
If current reforms continue and implementation remains consistent across federal and state levels, Nigeria could make substantial progress toward achieving universal health coverage while improving healthcare outcomes for millions of citizens.
However, experts caution that sustained political commitment, adequate funding, improved healthcare quality and public trust will determine whether the country can maintain the current momentum and extend health insurance protection to the majority of its population.
Sources
- News Agency of Nigeria (NAN): Nigerians on Health Insurance Hit 22 Million โ NHIA
- National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Official Website
- NHIA: Presidential Directive on Mandatory Health Insurance Implementation
- State House, Abuja: President Tinubu Directs Mandatory Health Insurance Implementation Across MDAs
- Vanguard Nigeria: Nigerians on Health Insurance Hit 22 Million
