The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced that more than 22 million Nigerians are now enrolled in health insurance schemes, marking a significant step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through the implementation of mandatory health insurance.
Director-General of the NHIA, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, disclosed the development while addressing the Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Association of Insurance and Pension Editors (NAIPE) in Lagos.
According to him, the Authority has shifted its focus from policy development to ensuring effective implementation, with emphasis on improving healthcare access, service quality and consumer protection in line with the Federal Government’s health sector reform agenda.
Ohiri said Nigeria already has the legal and policy framework required to achieve universal health coverage, stressing that consistent implementation remains the critical factor in translating government commitments into tangible healthcare benefits for citizens.
He revealed that health insurance enrolment has risen to 22.03 million Nigerians, representing a 35 per cent year-on-year increase. The growth, he explained, has been driven by closer collaboration with State Social Health Insurance Agencies (SSHIAs), government institutions, organised labour, employers, private sector organisations and the gradual enforcement of the mandatory health insurance provisions contained in the NHIA Act.
The NHIA Director-General noted that the transition from the former National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to the NHIA has strengthened regulatory oversight, accountability and consumer protection while creating a more robust framework for strategic healthcare purchasing and universal coverage.
Highlighting improvements in service delivery, Ohiri said the Authority has enhanced its complaints resolution system and intensified oversight of Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) and healthcare providers to ensure compliance with operational standards.
He disclosed that 3,878 complaints have so far been resolved, representing an 87 per cent resolution rate, with 95 per cent concluded within the stipulated timelines. In addition, more than ₦14.2 million has been refunded to affected enrollees, while sanctions have been imposed on healthcare facilities found to have breached service standards.
As part of efforts to improve patient experience, the NHIA has also introduced service benchmarks, including a target requiring healthcare providers to commence treatment for emergency cases within one hour of presentation.
Ohiri further announced significant increases in payments to healthcare providers, saying capitation rates have been raised by 93 per cent, while fee-for-service reimbursements have increased by 378 per cent. He explained that the revised payment structure is expected to strengthen healthcare delivery by enabling hospitals and clinics to invest in personnel, equipment and infrastructure.
To improve the quality of healthcare services nationwide, the Authority has assessed 7,592 healthcare facilities under the SafeCare quality improvement framework, a programme designed to institutionalise continuous quality assurance across the health sector.
The NHIA also reported progress in expanding healthcare access for vulnerable groups. According to Ohiri, more than 48,500 pregnant women have benefited from health insurance coverage under targeted intervention programmes, while additional support has been extended to maternal and newborn healthcare initiatives, the Vulnerable Group Fund, pensioners and retirees.
He maintained that achieving Universal Health Coverage requires ensuring that every Nigerian has access to quality healthcare regardless of income level or geographical location.
The Director-General said the Authority’s ongoing reforms align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the broader health sector reform programme being implemented under the leadership of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate.
While acknowledging that challenges persist, Ohiri expressed optimism that the progress recorded through expanded enrolment, stronger regulation and improved service delivery provides a solid foundation for achieving universal health coverage through sustained implementation and collaboration among stakeholders.
