By Muhammad Amaan
The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled plans to enrol at least 44 million Nigerians into the National Health Insurance Scheme by 2030.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, who said this at the opening of the National Health Financing Policy dialogue themed “Reimagining the future of health financing in Nigeria,” in Abuja, noted that the plan will help to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure on health.
Health Reporters Newspaper reports that the four-day dialogue brings together policymakers, development partners, health financing experts, civil society, the private sector, academia, and health insurance representatives to chart a clear path toward stronger and more resilient health financing systems.
He said the Ministry is already examining the possibility of approaching the National Assembly to increase the allocation to Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) from the current 1% of consolidated revenue to at least 2%.
“A key deliverable of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare under the presidential performance bond that we signed is to enroll at least 44 million Nigerians into the National Health Insurance by 2030 so that we can reduce out-of-pocket expenditure on health which currently remains at an unacceptable rate of about 70%.
“We are committed to this target as we remain focused on strengthening these frameworks, enhancing their reach, and ensuring their sustainability, while addressing challenges such as inadequate budgetary allocations, systemic inefficiencies, fragmented programming and dearth of reliable data,” Salako said.
Dr Salako emphasised that President Bola Tinubu is committed to strengthening health financing by boosting domestic resources and reducing dependency on external aid.
He said Nigeria’s total health expenditure as a percentage of the Gross Domestic Product has risen from 3.4 per cent in 2013 to 5.03 per cent in 2024.
“The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare remains committed to evolving legislation, regulations and policies that will ensure effective implementation.
“Key among these is the National Health Insurance Act of 2022, which makes health insurance mandatory for all Nigerians and seeks to significantly expand coverage beyond the previous five per cent of the population. The Act also established the Vulnerable Group Fund to cater for those unable to afford premiums.
“Similarly, the BHCPF, instituted by the 2014 National Health Act, allocates one per cent of consolidated federal revenue to provide quality healthcare for the poor and vulnerable, serving as a key vehicle for implementing the Vulnerable Group Fund. The Ministry is considering approaching the National Assembly to increase BHCPF funding from the current one per cent to at least two per cent of consolidated revenue.
“We remain focused on strengthening the framework, expanding coverage, ensuring sustainability, and addressing persistent challenges such as inadequate budgetary allocations, systemic inefficiencies, fragmented programming, and limited reliable data,” he stated.
He noted that the government is committed to ensuring that every Nigerian has access to quality healthcare without financial hardship.
In his remarks, the Director General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr Kelechi Ohiri, reaffirmed that the agency is committed to expanding financial protection for all Nigerians by reducing dependence on out-of-pocket payments.
Ohiri said the dialogue aims to advance accountability and transparency, unlock private sector participation, deepen sub-national involvement, and strengthen partnerships.
The NHIA DG emphasised that the four-day sessions were deliberately designed to put people at the centre of Nigeria’s health financing conversations.
“At the NHIA, our mission aligns with the broader health sector reform agenda of the Honourable Minister of Health and the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We are committed to expanding financial protection for all Nigerians by reducing dependence on out-of-pocket payments. Equity remains central to this effort, ensuring that the poor and vulnerable are not left behind.
“This is a call to action and a call to collaborate. Achieving sustainable and equitable health financing will require the collective effort of government, civil society, development partners, the private sector, and academia.
“As we begin today, I hope the energy and commitment we see on Day-1 will carry through to Day-4, culminating in clear commitments, documented outcomes, and a roadmap for Nigeria’s future in health financing,” he said.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, stressed that Nigeria must increase domestic investment in health, warning that the country cannot continue to rely on foreign aid to strengthen its healthcare system.
Prof. Pate urged the civil society organisations to play their roles in ensuring accountability and advancing Universal Health Coverage.
