The Federal Government says it plans to enrol 44 million Nigerians into the national health insurance scheme by 2030, as part of efforts to expand coverage and cut down high out-of-pocket spending on healthcare.
Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, disclosed this on Monday at the National Health Financing Policy Dialogue in Abuja, themed “Reimagining the Future of Health Financing in Nigeria.”
He said the National Health Insurance Act 2022, which makes insurance mandatory and establishes a Vulnerable Group Fund, remains key to achieving the target.
Salako noted that health financing is a major priority under President Bola Tinubu’s directive, highlighting that the sector’s budget has grown from ₦434 billion in 2018 to ₦2.48 trillion in 2025—5.18% of the federal budget—though still short of the 15% Abuja Declaration benchmark.
Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, called for stronger domestic financing to address weak protection and high household spending, while Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, stressed that Nigeria must reduce reliance on foreign aid and increase local investment.
Civil society and women’s groups also pushed for greater inclusion of vulnerable populations in decision-making. Hajia Hauwa Adamu, representing the Association of Wives of FCT Traditional Rulers, said health financing policies often exclude women, despite their critical role, and warned that hidden hospital costs continue to drive families toward unsafe traditional alternatives.
