Nigeria's health insurance enrollment rises to 22 million but coverage gap persists

This growth is attributed to the government's implementation of mandatory health insurance under the NHIA Act, with state social health insurance agencies significantly contributing to the expansion, covering 9.74 million beneficiaries compared to 7.07 million under NHIA-managed programs. Despite this progress, a substantial coverage gap remains, leaving many Nigerians, especially low-income households and those in the informal sector, vulnerable to high out-of-pocket healthcare costs. The NHIA Act, enacted in 2022, aims to provide health insurance to all Nigerians and legal residents.

However, Dr. Moyosore Olomola, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of SUNU Health Nigeria Limited, states that structural challenges, rather than a lack of public interest, impede wider expansion. He identifies income volatility, inadequate provider networks, and low public trust as major obstacles. Olomola suggests flexible premium collection, increased investment in provider networks in underserved areas, and stronger accountability for health maintenance organizations and healthcare providers to accelerate universal health coverage.