The Federal Government on Friday inaugurated the Governing Council of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), setting the tone for a renewed push toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and sustainable healthcare financing in Nigeria.
The inauguration ceremony, held in Abuja, was led by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, who emphasized the strategic importance of the NHIA in reducing the financial burden of healthcare on citizens, particularly vulnerable groups.
“This is a very important milestone,” Professor Pate stated. “The NHIA is not just a prestigious institution within government; it is a vital instrument to achieve financial protection in health and expand coverage to millions of Nigerians.”
He highlighted key achievements under the current NHIA leadership, including the enrollment of over four million Nigerians into health insurance schemes within 18 months, the expansion of the Vulnerable Group Fund, free treatment for over 4,000 women undergoing emergency cesarean sections, and increased access to fistula repair services.
According to the Minister, these milestones signaled a positive trajectory for the health sector. “If we can expand coverage to 50 million Nigerians over the coming years, it will transform the health system, reduce out-of-pocket expenses, strengthen healthcare providers, boost employment, and support local pharmaceutical manufacturing,” he added.
Professor Pate also acknowledged the limited public financing for healthcare less than $20 per person annually and stressed the need for practical strategies that will ensure inclusive and sustainable health funding. He announced plans for an upcoming Health Financing Summit to explore expanded domestic funding and more efficient service delivery under mandatory health insurance.
He charged the council members to bring their diverse expertise to bear, describing the newly appointed Chairman, Senator Dr. Ibrahim Oloriegbe, as a “co-architect of health sector reform,” and commending the NHIA Director-General for effective leadership.
Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ms. Daju Kachollom, described the inauguration as a “long-awaited day” and urged the council to uphold the provisions of the NHIA Act to achieve lasting impact.
In his acceptance remarks, Senator Oloriegbe pledged the Council’s full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the health sector. “Our role is to provide strategic direction, governance, and oversight to ensure the NHIA fulfilled its mission mobilizing and pooling financial resources for the strategic purchasing of affordable and quality healthcare for all Nigerians,” he said.
The inauguration of the NHIA Governing Council signaled a renewed commitment by the Federal Government to deepen health insurance penetration, reduce out-of-pocket healthcare spending, and establish a more resilient and inclusive national health system.
