With Rivers’ population estimated at about nine million, the state health scheme says broader insurance adoption and regular medical checks could reduce the impact of preventable health emergencies.
The Rivers Contributory Health Protection Programme has raised concerns over the low level of health insurance enrolment in the state, urging residents to plan ahead for medical expenses and protect themselves against the financial consequences of unexpected healthcare needs.
The scheme said only about 160,000 residents were currently enrolled in RIVCHIP, despite Rivers having an estimated population of about nine million.
The disclosure was made by the Head of Department, Marketing, RIVCHIP, Kingsford Ngini, during the 2026 Annual Business Fair and Symposium of the Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship International Nigeria, South-South District 4, Garden City Eminent Chapter, in Port Harcourt.
Ngini urged residents to make health insurance part of their financial planning, alongside regular medical check-ups, warning that inadequate preparation for healthcare needs could contribute to avoidable deaths.
He said the cost of accessing healthcare during an emergency could place significant pressure on households that had not made prior arrangements for medical expenses.
RIVCHIP’s entry-level plan currently costs N25,000 annually, according to Ngini, and provides beneficiaries with access to healthcare at a hospital of their choice.
The scheme, he added, currently works with functional primary healthcare centres and more than 50 private hospitals.
Ngini encouraged Rivers residents to take advantage of the programme and register through the scheme’s online platform.
Low enrolment highlights insurance gap
The enrolment figures highlight the significant gap between the number of people who could potentially benefit from health insurance and those currently covered under the state-backed scheme.
For households without insurance, unexpected illnesses, accidents or other medical emergencies can result in substantial direct payments for treatment.
Health insurance is designed to spread such financial risks by allowing individuals and households to contribute toward healthcare costs before they arise, reducing the immediate burden when medical attention becomes necessary.
However, expanding coverage requires more than the availability of insurance products. Awareness, affordability, trust in healthcare providers and insurers, and access to quality medical facilities can all influence enrolment and retention.
RIVCHIP’s latest appeal therefore places health insurance at the centre of broader calls for residents to adopt a more proactive approach to healthcare planning.
Business leaders advocate preparedness
The call for greater health insurance adoption came during a business event focused on positioning enterprises for sustainable growth in a challenging economic environment.
The President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Chinyere Nwoga, urged business leaders to embrace innovation, strategic partnerships and ethical leadership.
Nwoga said businesses needed resilience, adaptability and responsible leadership to remain competitive, adding that PHACCIMA was committed to promoting enterprise, stimulating investment and strengthening businesses.
She also stressed the importance of networking, knowledge sharing and partnerships in building a stronger private sector.
The Chief Executive Officer of Integrated Services Ltd., Steve Ayiyi, similarly urged prospective entrepreneurs to acquire practical experience and conduct adequate research before investing, particularly in capital-intensive sectors.
Insurance as part of financial preparedness
The RIVCHIP intervention adds healthcare risk to the broader financial-planning conversation, highlighting the importance of preparing for potentially costly events before they occur.
With only a fraction of Rivers residents currently enrolled in the state programme, significantly expanding coverage will require sustained efforts to demonstrate the value of insurance and make enrolment accessible to a wider segment of the population.
For the state’s health insurance ecosystem, the immediate challenge is therefore not simply creating awareness, but converting awareness into sustained participation.
RIVCHIP said it remained committed to prioritising the health of Rivers residents and encouraged eligible residents to enrol in the scheme.
