FG Vows Aggressive Expansion of Health Insurance Coverage
The federal government has pledged to aggressively expand health insurance coverage across the country in a renewed drive to ensure affordable healthcare for all Nigerians.
This commitment was announced on Friday, July 11, 2025, during the inauguration of the Governing Council of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, said the government is determined to close the insurance gap and bring millions of Nigerians especially those in the informal sector and vulnerable communities under health coverage.
“This administration is committed to achieving universal health coverage through bold, decisive actions,” Professor Pate said. “We will expand the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, leverage digital enrollment systems, partner with state governments, and ensure that the poor and vulnerable are not left behind.”
Currently, less than 10 per cent of Nigerians are enrolled in formal health insurance schemes, forcing most citizens to pay for medical expenses out-of-pocket, a practice the government says is unsustainable and unjust.
The NHIA Director General, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri also emphasized the government’s intention to roll out community-based sensitization programs, improve service delivery through better tariffs for healthcare providers, and boost transparency in fund management.
According to the NHIA, the initiative will include collaborations with private sector actors, traditional leaders, and healthcare professionals to drive enrollment in both urban and rural areas.
Health sector stakeholders have welcomed the renewed push but called for strict accountability measures to ensure the success of the program and to restore public trust in health insurance schemes.
The expansion of health insurance coverage aligns with Nigeria’s commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s healthcare access agenda. Further announcements on implementation timelines and specific enrollment models are expected in the coming weeks.
