The Nigeria Solidarity Support Fund (NSSF) has concluded its 2026 WeNaija Impact Cohort (WIC) 3.0, a seven-month programme that reached 655 informal-sector workers across 15 states with health insurance awareness.
The programme also recorded 29 health insurance enrolments through its dedicated tracker.
This was contained in a statement signed by NSSF Communications Manager Esther Anolu and made available to reporters on Friday in Lagos.
The statement said the programme equipped young Nigerians aged 18 to 35 with practical skills in healthcare advocacy, data collection and storytelling.
It said the programme began with 54 participants, while 24 remained actively tracked by the final implementation phase.
The participants conducted 36 advocacy sessions, reached 655 informal-sector workers and generated 728 data records, the statement said.
“The participants engaged market associations, transport workers, artisans, community leaders and other informal-sector groups to promote health insurance awareness.
“Their engagements also identified challenges affecting health insurance participation, including limited awareness, affordability, irregular income, lack of trust and inadequate access to enrolment channels,” it said.
The statement said the programme highlighted the importance of community trust, responsive insurance providers, affordability and consistent follow-up in turning awareness into enrolment.
It added that lessons from the programme would guide future cohorts and strengthen efforts to improve health insurance awareness, access and participation in underserved communities.
The statement quoted NSSF Acting Managing Director Dr Adedayo Aderibigbe as saying the programme reflected the organisation’s commitment to youth participation in health advocacy and community development.
Aderibigbe said participants had helped deepen understanding of the challenges informal-sector workers faced in accessing health insurance.
He said their contributions showed the potential of young Nigerians to drive meaningful change when equipped with relevant knowledge, skills and opportunities.
He commended the participants, community members, stakeholders and health insurance providers for supporting the programme.
NSSF is a not-for-profit organisation committed to improving health outcomes and strengthening Nigeria’s health system. It promotes health advocacy, policy engagement, support for vulnerable populations and youth development in collaboration with partners and communities.
