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Cabinet officials

Nigeria's Health Financing Reforms: A Commitment to Enroll 44 Million Citizens into the National Health Insurance Scheme

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening health financing in the country, with a target to enroll at least 44 million Nigerians into the National Health Insurance Scheme by 2030. This commitment is part of efforts to reduce the country's heavy dependence on out-of-pocket healthcare spending, which currently accounts for nearly 70% of healthcare costs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Federal Government of Nigeria has set a target to enroll at least 44 million Nigerians into the National Health Insurance Scheme by 2030.
  • The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has been commended for convening the National Health Financing Dialogue, a platform for discussing and implementing health financing reforms.
  • President Bola Tinubu has directed the implementation of several interconnected policies aimed at achieving universal health coverage and protecting vulnerable Nigerians.
  • Nigeria's health budget has grown significantly in recent years, from ?434 billion in 2018 to ?2.48 trillion in 2025, representing 5.2% of the national budget.
  • The National Health Insurance Authority Act of 2012, which makes health insurance mandatory for all Nigerians, has established the Vulnerable Group Fund to ensure coverage for the poor and disadvantaged.
  • The Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, created under the 2014 National Health Act, channels a portion of federal consolidated revenue into providing access to essential healthcare for the poor and vulnerable.
  • The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is considering increasing the allocation to the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund from the current one percent of consolidated revenue to at least two percent.
  • Nigeria's total health expenditure as a share of Gross Domestic Product rose from 3.4% in 2013 to 5.03% in 2024.

Statistics:

  • Nigeria aims to enroll at least 44 million citizens into the National Health Insurance Scheme by 2030.
  • The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has recorded an increase in health insurance uptake, with four million Nigerians newly enrolled in just 18 months.
  • Nigeria's health budget has grown significantly in recent years, from ?434 billion in 2018 to ?2.48 trillion in 2025, representing 5.2% of the national budget.
  • The National Health Insurance Authority Act of 2012 has established the Vulnerable Group Fund to ensure coverage for the poor and disadvantaged.
  • The Basic Healthcare Provision Fund channels a portion of federal consolidated revenue into providing access to essential healthcare for the poor and vulnerable.
  • Nigeria's total health expenditure as a share of Gross Domestic Product rose from 3.4% in 2013 to 5.03% in 2024.

Sources:

  • "Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, makes remarks at the National Health Financing Dialogue in Abuja" (no date)
  • "Nigeria's health budget grows to ?2.48 trillion in 2025, representing 5.2% of the national budget" (no date)
  • "National Health Insurance Authority Act of 2012" (no date)
  • "Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, created under the 2014 National Health Act" (no date)

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