The federal government has announced plans to enroll 44 million Nigerians into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) by 2030 as part of efforts to reduce high out-of-pocket healthcare spending.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, made the disclosure at the National Health Financing Policy Dialogue in Abuja, stressing that the initiative is central to Nigeria’s pursuit of universal health coverage and reduced reliance on foreign aid.
He noted that health sector allocations have grown steadily, from N434 billion in 2018 to a proposed N2.48 trillion in 2025, equivalent to 5.18 per cent of the federal budget. Despite the rise, he acknowledged the figure remains below the 15 per cent Abuja Declaration benchmark.
According to Salako, government priorities include expanding the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, strengthening efficiency, and ensuring more Nigerians are enrolled in health insurance to make quality healthcare accessible without financial hardship.
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) confirmed it has already exceeded the 2024 presidential target, with enrollment climbing from 16.7 million to 19.2 million Nigerians, and expects coverage to grow by a further 20 per cent in 2025.
