The Federal Government has unveiled a bold plan to enrol at least 44 million Nigerians into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) by 2030, a landmark initiative aimed at tackling Nigeria’s high out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.
The announcement came from Dr. Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health, during the opening of the four-day National Health Financing Policy Dialogue in Abuja, themed “Reimagining the Future of Health Financing in Nigeria.”
According to Dr. Salako, the initiative will significantly reduce the financial strain on millions of Nigerians seeking medical care, while aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed commitment to domestic health financing.
“The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare remains committed to evolving legislation, regulations, and policies that ensure effective implementation of the National Health Insurance Act of 2022. This Act mandates health insurance for all Nigerians and expands coverage beyond the previous 5% of the population,” Salako explained.
He highlighted that Nigeria’s total health expenditure has risen from 3.4% of GDP in 2013 to 5.03% in 2024, with plans to increase the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) allocation from 1% to 2% of consolidated federal revenue.
Salako stressed that under the Presidential Performance Agreement, one of the key targets is enrolling 44 million Nigerians into the NHIS by 2030, cutting down out-of-pocket spending, currently at 70%.
The Director General of NHIA, Kelechi Ohiri, reiterated the agency’s mission to expand financial protection, reduce reliance on foreign aid, and strengthen accountability while calling for deeper partnerships across civil society, the private sector, academia, and development agencies.
Similarly, Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Pate, emphasized that Nigeria must invest more locally in healthcare, warning against long-term dependence on donor aid.
With this initiative, the Federal Government signals its strongest push yet toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC)—a future where Nigerians can access quality healthcare without financial hardship.
