The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has called on the newly inaugurated Governing Council of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to expand health insurance coverage across the country as part of efforts to fast-track progress toward achieving universal health coverage in Nigeria.
Speaking during the official inauguration held yesterday at the Ministry’s Conference Room, Prof. Pate described the newly appointed Council members as highly qualified and capable of driving meaningful change within the health sector.
He particularly highlighted the appointment of Senator Dr. Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe as Council Chairman, noting his instrumental role in shaping Nigeria’s health insurance legislation. “With a reinvigorated Council now in place, NHIA is better positioned to deepen reforms and scale its impact — further aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration, which prioritises accessible, equitable, and efficient healthcare for all Nigerians,” the minister stated.
Prof. Pate stressed that the combined expertise of the Council members would be vital in advancing the Authority’s mission. He urged the Council to build on the momentum achieved over the past 18 months under the current NHIA leadership, which has introduced revised tariffs for healthcare providers and expanded support for vulnerable populations within the health insurance scheme.
In his remarks, Senator Oloriegbe expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve and reflected on his previous contributions to health legislation during his tenure in the National Assembly.
The inauguration marks a renewed push to strengthen Nigeria’s health insurance framework and deliver on the promise of universal health access for all citizens.
