Nigeria’s Health Insurance Sign-ups Hit 23 Million - NHIA

Nigeria’s health insurance enrolment reached 23.06 million people in the second quarter of 2026. This is up from 16.2 million at the end of 2023. Kelechi Ohiri, the Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), shared this news on Thursday. He spoke at the 11th Future of Health Conference, organized by Nigeria Health Watch in Abuja.

Mr. Ohiri noted that enrolment in federal, state, and private health insurance schemes increased by 42.35 percent during this time.

But he cautioned that just having more people enrolled does not mean better access to healthcare. It also does not protect Nigerians from financial difficulties.

"We constantly face the reality of a difference between an insurance coverage record and genuine financial risk protection," he said.

"An insurance card in a citizen’s pocket is meaningless if it does not grant immediate access to a functional facility, guarantee essential medicines, protect against catastrophic out-of-pocket expenses, and deliver dignity during medical emergencies."

To help enrollees understand their benefits and access support, the NHIA has introduced various measures. They have launched the MyNHIA mobile app and an online self-enrolment portal. The authority also distributed enrollee charters and benefit package details using interactive QR codes at accredited health facilities across Nigeria.

According to Mr. Ohiri, these codes allow enrollees to check which consultations, diagnostic services, and medicines their insurance covers.

The NHIA has also improved its complaints management system. This system addresses issues involving enrollees, healthcare facilities, and health maintenance organizations (HMOs). He said the NHIA tracked 2,209 complaints received through social media, calls, walk-in desks, call centers, and letters.

Of these complaints, 82 percent were resolved within 48 hours. The NHIA also secured direct refunds for enrollees who faced incorrect charges from healthcare facilities. They issued formal warnings to facilities and removed providers who repeatedly failed to comply with regulations.

"That is how regulation converts coverage into genuine financial protection," Mr. Ohiri stated.

He mentioned that the NHIA is working to expand insurance access for vulnerable Nigerians. This is done through targeted programs supported by public subsidies, grants, and partnerships with private organizations. Under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) Gateway, enrolment grew from 2.6 million people in the second quarter of 2026 to 3.2 million in the third quarter. This is a 20.5 percent increase.

All enrollees under this program have been biometrically verified using their National Identification Numbers (NINs).

Mr. Ohiri also highlighted a program with the Global Fund. This program aims to provide health insurance for key population groups affected by major infectious diseases in Gombe, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Kwara states. He said enrolment under this program rose from 25,815 beneficiaries in the fourth quarter of 2025 to 58,447 in the third quarter of 2026.

Women made up 68 percent of the enrollees, and all beneficiaries have been biometrically verified using their NINs.

The conference, themed "From Innovation to Impact: The Future of Health is Now," gathered stakeholders to discuss how new ideas, investments, research, and policies can lead to real improvements in healthcare delivery.

Mr. Ohiri emphasized that health innovations must tackle real problems, provide evidence, stay financially viable, and fit into existing systems to make a big impact.

He concluded that the NHIA’s reforms aim to create a health financing system that protects Nigerians from financial struggles while improving healthcare access.

"The future of health is not a distant vision," he said. "Through strategic purchasing, rigorous evidence, and commitment to equity, the future of health is happening right now."