NHIA reports 40% rise in health insurance coverage in 2024

Joy Agwunobi

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has recorded a notable 40 per cent increase in health insurance enrollment within this year alone, bringing the total number of insured Nigerians from 16.7 million to 19.2 million. This development surpasses the health insurance coverage goals set by the presidency for 2024.

Speaking at the end-of-year press briefing in Abuja, Kelechi Ohiri, the director general of NHIA, outlined the agency’s progress and its vision for healthcare reform in Nigeria.

He disclosed that the authority aims to achieve a further 20 per cent growth in enrollment by 2025.

“Health insurance in Nigeria had remained stagnant for decades, with coverage at just seven per cent, largely limited to formal sector workers,” Ohiri explained. He credited the National Health Insurance Act 2022 for laying the groundwork to extend healthcare access to more Nigerians, particularly those in vulnerable and informal sectors.

“The health insurance coverage rose by 40 per cent within the year, growing from 16.7 million to 19.2 million enrollees,” he stated.

The director-general noted that the progress was achieved through partnerships with private insurers, State Health Insurance Agencies, and Health Maintenance Organisations. Despite these gains, he acknowledged challenges posed by the fragmented structure of health insurance providers, which currently includes 83 private insurers and 37 state agencies.

Ohiri stressed the importance of fostering trust among Nigerians to encourage broader participation. “It’s essential that enrollees have confidence in receiving the care they’re entitled to when insured,” he said.

To address economic realities, NHIA adjusted financial provisions, raising capitation rates by 60 per cent and professional fees by 40 per cent. These adjustments are backed by actuarial studies to ensure that premiums reflect current market conditions.

As part of its strategy for 2025, the agency plans to integrate advanced technology into its operations to improve efficiency. Expanded services are also on the horizon, including comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care in over 100 facilities across the country. Furthermore, NHIA is collaborating with the National Pension Commission to provide health insurance coverage for retirees.

“Our goal is a healthcare system that ensures every Nigerian, regardless of their income level, has access to quality care,” Ohiri stated, while also noting “this is about transforming health insurance from a scheme to a robust authority that puts the patient at the centre of all reforms.”