The Nigerian government says about 20 million Nigerians are now covered under the national health insurance scheme, with a target to reach 44 million citizens by 2030.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, disclosed this in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, describing the progress as a reflection of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the country’s steady move toward universal health coverage.
Pate said Nigeria achieved a record enrollment in 2024 with over 2.4 million new subscribers, raising total coverage to nearly 20 million. He emphasized that the new policy framework aims to reduce out-of-pocket health expenditure, which still accounts for about 70% of total health spending.
“A major constraint in care quality has been the low capitation fee for enrollees. For years, it stood at ₦750 per person. We have doubled it to ₦1,450 to ensure providers are properly equipped to deliver consistent, high-quality care,” he said.
He added that fee-for-service rates had also been raised by 380%, based on actuarial evidence to align costs with quality standards.
To improve patient access, the government has introduced the One-Hour Referral Authorization Code, designed to eliminate delays in moving patients from primary to specialist care.
Pate also revealed that the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) had begun covert mystery shopping to monitor hospitals and ensure enrollees are not denied treatment.
“Undercover monitors are already observing facilities nationwide to ensure insured Nigerians receive timely and dignified care,” he noted.
According to the minister, hospital visits jumped from fewer than 10 million in 2023 to over 46 million by mid-2025, indicating growing confidence in the health system.
He said reforms in the Basic Health Care Provision Fund and NHIA are improving patient trust and service delivery, while investments in infrastructure and workforce development continue nationwide.
Since 2023, Pate said, nearly 120,000 health workers have been trained, with 2,500 new doctors, nurses, midwives, and community health workers recruited to strengthen frontline services. Additionally, 4,000 health personnel have been added to federal tertiary hospitals to close workforce gaps.
“As enrollment expands, benefits multiply. Wider adoption of health insurance enhances quality, strengthens accountability, and protects households from financial hardship,” he added.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to modernising infrastructure, strengthening the health workforce, and sustaining reforms until every Nigerian has access to affordable, quality healthcare.
