By Atoyebi Nike
The Federal Government has announced plans to enroll 44 million Nigerians into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) by 2030, aiming to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses currently at 70%.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, disclosed this in Abuja at the opening of the National Health Financing Policy Dialogue, themed “Reimagining a New Era of Health Financing.” He said the initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s drive to strengthen health financing through domestic resources and lessen reliance on foreign aid.
Salako highlighted that Nigeria’s health budget rose from ₦434 billion in 2018 to a proposed ₦2.48 trillion in 2025-5.18% of the federal budget, though still below the 15% Abuja Declaration benchmark. He also confirmed plans to push the National Assembly to raise the Basic Health Care Provision Fund allocation from 1% to at least 2% of consolidated revenue.
The minister reaffirmed commitment to the National Health Insurance Act, which mandates coverage for all Nigerians and provides a Vulnerable Group Fund for those unable to pay premiums. He urged stakeholders to adopt innovative models and draw lessons from countries like Ghana.
Meanwhile, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) said it had already surpassed its 2024 enrollment target, growing coverage from 16.7 million to 19.2 million Nigerians, with a further 20% expansion planned for 2025.
