The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced plans to commission a series of research studies aimed at expanding health insurance coverage in Nigeria.
The authority said this is coming as millions of Nigerians continue to pay for healthcare services out-of-pocket.
NHIA disclosed this on its official website on Thursday, noting that it has invited qualified consultants and firms to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI).
According to the authority, the invitation, issued through its Procurement Department, is for the conduct of various research projects targeted at scaling up health insurance coverage nationwide.
It said the initiative, captured in its 2025 budget, aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The authority added that the move also supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 3.8, which focuses on financial risk protection and access to quality essential health services for all.
Nigeria’s healthcare system remains heavily dependent on out-of-pocket payments, a situation health experts say exposes households to catastrophic health spending and pushes many families into poverty.
NHIA noted that health financing plays a critical role in achieving UHC, adding that inadequate investment and weak financing mechanisms have continued to limit access to care, especially for vulnerable populations.
It said the proposed research is expected to generate evidence to guide policy reforms, improve enrollment strategies and address structural barriers hindering the expansion of health insurance coverage across the country.
According to NHIA, the exercise will be conducted in line with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act 2007, to ensure transparency and competitiveness in the selection of consultants.
It was reported that health sector analysts believe the move underscores a growing recognition that data-driven solutions are needed to close Nigeria’s health insurance gap.
They, however, cautioned that translating research findings into actionable policies and measurable coverage gains will be critical to reducing the financial burden of healthcare on Nigerians.
