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Health care industry

House of Representatives Condemns NHIS Challenges, Orders Reform and Investigation

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The House of Representatives has expressed deep concern over the persistent challenges plaguing the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and its associated Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), ordering a thorough investigation aimed at reforming the system and improving access to quality healthcare services across Nigeria. The resolution was made in response to a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Chief Dr. Billy F.A. Osawaru, who lamented the inefficacy of the NHIS, despite its restructuring into the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) through the enactment of the NHIA Act, 2022. Only about five percent of the Nigerian population is currently enrolled in the scheme, and the declining quality of services rendered by HMOs has led to poor access to essential drugs, inadequate medical care, and rising out-of-pocket expenses borne by enrollees.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NHIS has been plagued by persistent challenges, including poor access to essential drugs, inadequate medical care, and rising out-of-pocket expenses, affecting only about five percent of the Nigerian population.
  • The House of Representatives has mandated the Director-General of the NHIA to collaborate with the Committee on Healthcare Services to assess the operational challenges of the health insurance system and recommend necessary interventions.
  • The Committees on Healthcare Services and Health Institutions have been tasked with conducting a detailed inquiry into the performance of the NHIS and reporting back to the House within four weeks.
  • The House has also condemned the brutal killing of thirteen unarmed travellers from Unguwan Rimi Community in Basawa, Sabon Gari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, who were ambushed and killed on June 20, 2025, in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
  • Lawmakers have called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Chief of Army Staff to investigate the attack and ensure the culprits are brought to justice.
  • The House has appealed to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide urgent humanitarian relief to the families of the deceased and those injured in the attack.
  • An ad-hoc committee has been constituted to investigate the recurring violence along the route and report back within two weeks.

Statistics:

  • Only about five percent of the Nigerian population is currently enrolled in the NHIS.
  • Thirteen unarmed travellers were killed in an ambush in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State on June 20, 2025.

Sources:

  • [Source 1: A motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Chief Dr. Billy F.A. Osawaru, in response to the challenges plaguing the NHIS.]
  • [Source 2: A report by the House of Representatives, condemning the brutal killing of thirteen unarmed travellers from Unguwan Rimi Community in Basawa, Sabon Gari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.]

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