By Isa Mukhtar and Isyaka Rabiu
In a bid to accelerate progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the Nigerian Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) recently convened a one-day stakeholders’ forum in Yobe State, themed “Expanding Coverage through Equitable Access Towards Universal Health Coverage Achievement.”
The forum brought together key stakeholders, including officials from the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), government agencies, community leaders, and healthcare professionals, to deliberate on strategies for expanding access to quality and affordable healthcare across Nigeria.
In his welcome address, the Acting State Coordinator of NHIA, Mr. Mansur Akilu, emphasized the importance of strong inter-agency partnerships in realizing the objectives of UHC. He highlighted NHIA’s strategic interventions, notably the Comprehensive Emergency Obstetrics Care (CEMOC)and the Free Fistula Programme (FFP), which have significantly improved maternal and family health outcomes in the region. Beneficiaries shared firsthand accounts of the impact of these initiatives, encouraging wider enrolment into NHIA programmes.
The forum provided a platform to review NHIA’s evolving role and the transition from the former National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to the present NHIA, following the enactment of the NHIA Act, 2022. This legislation mandates health insurance coverage for all citizens and legal residents, positioning NHIA as the central regulatory authority for health insurance in Nigeria.
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Technical sessions featured comprehensive presentations on the agency’s core functions, digital innovations, enrollee rights, and new benefit packages under schemes such as the Group, Individual and Family Social Health Insurance Programme (GIFSHIP). Participants were educated on procedures for new registrations, updating enrolment data, and changing service providers. Key discussions also touched on the new premium structures, digital registration platforms, and mechanisms to ensure equitable access to care across all levels.
During the interactive segment, stakeholders raised critical questions regarding policy implementation, premium adjustments, and the inclusivity of benefits. NHIA officials responded with detailed clarifications, reaffirming the authority’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness.
RMRDC Yobe State Coordinator, Mr. Sani Musa, commended NHIA’s efforts and recommended integrating health insurance sensitization into grassroots development initiatives. He also stressed the need to reach informal sector workers, including artisans and small-scale entrepreneurs, through targeted outreach efforts. Mr. Musa further advocated for continued collaboration between NHIA and government agencies such as RMRDC to harmonize policy implementation and improve healthcare resource utilization.
Other participants echoed the need for:
- Enhanced public awareness campaigns,
- Capacity-building for healthcare workers in underserved areas,
- Strengthened grievance redress mechanisms, and
- Expanded digital enrolment strategies to build public trust and encourage wider participation.
The forum reaffirmed NHIA’s commitment to expanding coverage, promoting digital innovation, and enforcing mandatory enrolment, all in line with its goal of achieving UHC. The active engagement and thoughtful recommendations from RMRDC and other participants reflected a shared resolve to build a resilient and inclusive health insurance system that guarantees equitable healthcare access for all Nigerians.
