Nigeria is pushing to dramatically expand health insurance coverage, aiming to hit 20% national enrollment by 2027, according to the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako. He announced the target at the 2025 Joint Annual Review Meeting in Abuja, saying the move is central to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s plan to build a resilient and inclusive healthcare system.
Salako revealed that sweeping reforms under the Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) — driven by a Sector-Wide Approach — are already reshaping the sector, improving coordination, accountability, and impact.
“We are determined to deliver a health system that prepares for, responds to, and recovers from shocks — a truly resilient Nigerian health system,” he said.
He noted progress in maternal and child health, with the Maternal Mortality Ratio dropping to 512 deaths per 100,000 live births (from 576 in 2018) and Under-5 Mortality falling to 110 per 1,000 live births (from 132 in 2018). But he stressed that Nigeria must accelerate efforts to meet national and global targets.
Despite gains, the Minister said the country still grapples with major financing gaps: government health spending sits at 5.2% of GDP, well below the 15% Abuja Declaration benchmark; out-of-pocket spending is a staggering 71%; and national insurance coverage remains just 10–12%.
To close the gap, President Tinubu’s recent executive order mandating health insurance across MDAs is expected to push Nigeria closer to universal health coverage.
Salako highlighted key achievements reshaping the health sector:
- BHCPF funding absorption jumped from 45% (2019) to 78% (2023).
- The NHIA Act 2024 has expanded insurance enrollment to over 20 million Nigerians.
- 500+ infrastructure upgrades have been delivered under the Power for Health Initiative.
- The Nigeria Digital in Health Initiative has introduced a unified digital health architecture.
- 37,000+ new health workers recruited since 2023, with training underway for another 70,000.
On disease control, he said Nigeria is hitting critical milestones:
- 1.78 million people now on HIV treatment, with 80% ART coverage and 96% PMTCT coverage.
- Tuberculosis programmes are notching 80% case notification and 85% treatment success.
- The Malaria Control Programme has distributed 63 million mosquito nets, averting 18 million cases annually.
- Immunisation coverage has risen to 57% Penta-3, and Nigeria has maintained zero wild polio cases since 2020.
Efforts to strengthen primary healthcare are accelerating, with over 30,000 PHCs being upgraded nationwide, boosting quality scores from 42% to 67%.
On the health workforce, Salako said the government is tackling shortages through the Health Workforce Registry, diaspora engagement, and rural retention incentives — a strategy he described as turning “Japa into Japa-da,” bringing professionals back home.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to deeper health financing reforms, increased capital releases, and innovative funding tools such as infrastructure bonds.
“Our focus is clear — to build a health system where every Nigerian, regardless of income or location, can access quality care without financial hardship.”
Salako urged government agencies, state actors, partners, and communities to strengthen collaboration, saying a healthy population is crucial for national prosperity.
“Only healthy people can produce a prosperous, secure, and great nation. Let us join hands to deliver health to our people and make Nigeria great again,” he said, drawing strong applause.
