Nigeria’s Federal Government hopes to enroll 44 million people into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) by 2030, a measure aimed at reducing the country’s high reliance on personal healthcare costs.Â
During the National Health Financing Policy Dialogue in Abuja, Dr. Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, disclosed this plan, emphasizing that Nigeria’s path toward universal health coverage still depends mostly on sustainable funding and increased local support.
The News Chronicle understands that the goal of this project is to address one of the most pressing problems in the country’s healthcare industry: the substantial financial burden on families. Millions of Nigerians run the risk of being driven into poverty should a major illness occur, with out-of-pocket expenses comprising around 70 percent of all healthcare spending. Breaking this pattern and restoring public trust in the healthcare system depends on this fresh enrollment push.
According to official data, health funding increased dramatically in recent years from N434 billion in 2018 to N1.2 trillion in 2021. Although still short of the 15% Abuja Declaration criterion, the suggested N2.48 trillion health allocation for 2025 shows more development. Increasing the Basic Health Care Provision Fund from 1 percent to at least 2 percent of combined revenue, stakeholders claim, would help more people in need.
Beyond budget increases, Salako emphasized that Nigeria must implement innovative approaches similar to those in Ghana, where robust legal systems and political commitment have led to improved health outcomes. The government has also reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the National Health Insurance Act of 2012, which makes insurance compulsory while establishing the Vulnerable Group Fund for low-income families.
Recording 19.2 million enrollees, a 14 percent rise in fewer than a year, the NHIA has already surpassed its 2024 objective. Authorities aim to accelerate this momentum with a proposed 20% expansion by 2025.
The government’s 2030 target, if fully implemented, could help lower out-of-pocket costs and foster a more resilient and inclusive healthcare system. system safeguarding every Nigerian against economic hardship.
