Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Kelechi Ohiri, said the agency has intensified reforms to make health insurance more equitable, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of vulnerable Nigerians.

He made the remarks at the Joint Annual Review (JAR) of the Health Sector on Thursday in Abuja.

JAR2025 serves as a platform to assess progress, share lessons, and drive accountability across Nigeria’s health sector.

The 2025 theme, “All Hands One Mission: Bringing Nigeria’s Health Sector to Light,” highlights the strength of Nigerians, resilience of healthcare systems, and dedication of frontline health workers serving across the nation.

Mr Ohiri explained that NHIA’s strategic vision rested on four pillars: expanding coverage, enhancing equity, improving service quality, and creating a sustainable, accessible, and inclusive health insurance market for all Nigerians nationwide.

According to him, health insurance coverage has risen from 16.2 million in December 2023 to about 21 million in 2025, representing a compounded annual growth rate of roughly 10 per cent across the country.

He said this progress is primarily driven by state health insurance agencies, which focus on enrolling poor and vulnerable populations, ensuring that expansion prioritises those most in need across diverse communities.

“We are seeing a strong focus on equity. Expansion is not limited to wealthy citizens but prioritises poor and vulnerable populations, reflecting NHIA’s consistent commitment to universal health coverage,” Mr Ohiri stated.

He added that President Bola Tinubu’s directive on compulsory federal employee enrollment, recently formalised through a circular, has strengthened enforcement of the health insurance mandate across all federal ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

Mr Ohiri noted that NHIA had launched a self-enrolment digital portal to simplify registration while building citizens’ trust through new service charters, regular monitoring visits, and support to accredited health facilities nationwide.

He said, “The authority has also improved transparency and accountability by making National Identification Numbers (NINs) mandatory for enrolment, while harmonising accreditation processes to ensure revitalised health facilities meet consistent quality standards.’’

Highlighting equity-driven programmes, Mr Ohiri mentioned the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF 2.0), maternal and newborn health initiatives, and the integration of HIV and tuberculosis services with support from the Global Fund.

He emphasised private HMO enrolment data, showing insurers driving growth: Axa Mansard 368,421; United Healthcare 304,763; Reliance 266,077; Hygeia 183,226; Leadway 152,990; Total Health Trust 86,657; Bastion Health 86,625 enrollees nationwide.

“Other HMOs, including Avon, NNPC, Sunu Health, HCI Healthcare, and Bonitas HMO, have smaller enrolments, reflecting NHIA’s ongoing efforts to ensure equitable distribution and competition among private health maintenance organisations.

“NHIA reforms have also improved efficiency, with the share of premium funds used for actual medical services rising from 50 to 71.25 per cent, reducing overheads and allowing more Nigerians to access essential healthcare benefits. We are rebuilding citizens’ trust in the insurance system, ensuring transparency in enrollment, improving service quality, and promoting financial protection for all Nigerians across public and private health institutions,” Mr Ohiri stated.

He emphasised that NHIA would continue collaborating with private sector partners, state and local governments, and other stakeholders to advance sustainable health financing and strengthen the national health insurance framework.

He also reaffirmed NHIA’s commitment to achieving universal health coverage through innovation, digital transformation, and equity-focused reforms, aiming to deliver accessible, efficient, and high-quality healthcare services to every Nigerian citizen.

(NAN)