Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), says ongoing reforms under the authority are enhancing Nigeria’s health coverage and improving data quality across the health system.
Ohiri made the disclosure to reporters on the sidelines of the 13th Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) meeting of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) in Abuja, where stakeholders reviewed progress and challenges in health financing and service delivery.
According to him, the NHIA is being repositioned to function beyond a conventional insurance scheme, evolving into a people-centred system that increases inclusion and access to quality healthcare services.
Drawing lessons from health insurance and social protection models in China, Australia, and the United States, Ohiri said the reforms focus on addressing implementation gaps, improving indicators, and reducing errors within the system.
“The NHIA allows us to identify biological vulnerabilities, income-related challenges, and other human factors that affect access to healthcare. Strengthening the system helps us improve planning and decision-making,” he said.
He explained that improvements in NHIA data processes have resulted in better indicators for estimating health needs, while aligning policies with international best practices to support collaboration with researchers, insurance providers, and development partners.
Ohiri disclosed that NHIA has developed a vulnerability assessment tool to identify biological vulnerabilities, income-related challenges, and other human factors affecting access to care.
From January 1, 2026, he said, NHIA will enforce the use of the National Identification Number (NIN) to promote inclusiveness and transparency. Strengthened enrollment and screening processes will also help address data challenges reported by some states.
Commenting on the rising utilization of senior and specialized health facilities, Ohiri linked it to improvements in quality of care, expanded NHIA interventions, and research-specific financing that supports healthcare centres and reduces costs.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding NHIA coverage, particularly in priority sectors, adding that compliance measures would not place additional burdens on businesses.
Ohiri also said the authority is working with relevant government agencies to ensure electronic compliance and has begun mapping key stakeholders required to support nationwide implementation of the reforms.
