NHIA partners stakeholders to expand health insurance coverage in Ogun
NHIA partners stakeholders to expand health insurance coverage in Ogun
The Ogun State Office of the National Health Insurance Authority on Monday hosted a Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum in Abeokuta aimed at strengthening collaboration, raising public awareness, and advancing progress toward Universal Health Coverage.
The forum brought together healthcare providers, community leaders, civil society groups, and enrollee advocates to assess ongoing interventions and tackle implementation challenges.
NHIA Ogun State Coordinator, Mr. Adegboyega Adefeso, described the forum as vital for fostering synergy between government and the public to expand access to health insurance. He reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to ensuring affordable, quality healthcare for all Nigerians through strategic initiatives designed to remove barriers and drive the nation closer to Universal Health Coverage.
He emphasised that collaboration with communities and partners would remain central to NHIA’s strategy.
“Health insurance is a collective responsibility. The more people we bring on board, the stronger the system becomes, and the closer we are to a Nigeria where everyone — regardless of income — can access healthcare without financial hardship,” he added.
One of the highlights of the forum was a testimonial from a CEMOC beneficiary, Mr Gbenga Oriji, who said the programme saved his family during a critical emergency.
“My wife and child are alive today because of CEMOC. I am deeply grateful to NHIA and urge others to take advantage of these life-saving interventions,” Oriji said.
The interactive session allowed participants to ask questions on enrollee rights, claims processing, and enforcement measures under the NHIA Act 2022. Attendees were also encouraged to spread awareness of NHIA programmes within their communities to drive enrolment and compliance—an effort stakeholders described as vital to achieving the 2030 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) target.
Presentations at the forum highlighted updates on NHIA programmes, contributory scheme benefits, and enforcement strategies designed to strengthen service delivery and accountability.
Despite ongoing reforms, health insurance coverage in Nigeria remains limited, with over 90 per cent of citizens still uninsured, according to the Health Care Providers Association of Nigeria.
NHIA Director-General, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, revealed that about 19.2 million Nigerians are currently enrolled in different health insurance schemes, surpassing the authority’s 2024 target. However, this figure accounts for only about 10 per cent of the population.
To close the gap, the Federal Government has set a goal of enrolling 44 million Nigerians by 2030, a step expected to significantly cut out-of-pocket health spending and move the country closer to Universal Health Coverage.
