By Abujah Racheal
Abuja, Dec. 20, 2025 (NAN) – Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, the Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has outlined a transformative agenda, stating that ongoing reforms are fundamentally strengthening Nigeria’s health coverage while simultaneously enhancing the quality of data across the entire health system. This dual focus is critical for building a sustainable, evidence-based healthcare framework.
Ohiri shared these insights with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during the 13th Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) meeting for the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) in Abuja. The meeting served as a strategic platform for stakeholders to assess progress and tackle persistent challenges in health financing and service delivery.
From Insurance Scheme to People-Centered Health System
According to Dr. Ohiri, the NHIA is undergoing a strategic repositioning. “We are evolving beyond a conventional insurance scheme,” he explained. “The goal is to become a truly people-centred system that prioritizes inclusion and guarantees access to quality healthcare services for all Nigerians.” This shift implies moving from merely processing claims to actively managing health outcomes and removing systemic barriers to care.
To inform this transformation, the NHIA is drawing critical lessons from diverse international models. For instance, the authority is studying China’s extensive population coverage, Australia’s hybrid public-private insurance efficiency, and the United States’ advanced data analytics for risk prediction. “These reforms are directly targeted at addressing our unique implementation gaps, improving health indicators, and systematically reducing errors within our ecosystem,” Ohiri stated.
The Central Role of Data: From Collection to Strategic Insight
A cornerstone of the reform is the overhaul of data processes. Ohiri emphasized that improved data collection and management have already yielded better indicators for estimating population health needs. This reliable data is vital for aligning national policies with international best practices and fostering effective collaboration with researchers, insurance providers, and development partners.
He highlighted a key innovation: the NHIA-developed vulnerability assessment tool. “This tool allows us to systematically identify biological vulnerabilities, income-related challenges, and other socio-economic factors that hinder access to healthcare,” Ohiri said. “By strengthening the system with this granular data, we dramatically improve strategic planning and resource allocation.” For example, such data can pinpoint regions with high incidences of specific diseases or identify populations struggling with out-of-pocket expenses, enabling targeted interventions.
Key Implementation Drivers: NIN Enforcement and Stakeholder Mapping
To cement these gains, the NHIA will enforce the mandatory use of the National Identification Number (NIN) for all enrollments starting January 1, 2026. This policy is designed to be a game-changer for inclusiveness and transparency. “Strengthened enrollment and screening processes will directly address the challenges we face with inconsistent or poor-quality data reported by some states,” Ohiri noted. The NIN will create a unique, verifiable identity for each beneficiary, reducing fraud, eliminating duplicate records, and enabling seamless tracking of health utilization across facilities.
Ohiri also addressed the noticeable rise in the use of senior and specialized health facilities. He linked this trend to a combination of improved quality of care at those centers, expanded NHIA benefit packages, and research-specific financing that supports healthcare centers and helps reduce costs for patients.
Commitment to Expansion Without Undue Burden
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment, the DG promised a continued expansion of NHIA coverage, particularly in priority sectors and among vulnerable groups. He was quick to assure that compliance measures for businesses would be designed to be seamless. “We are working closely with relevant government agencies to ensure electronic compliance and have already begun the crucial work of mapping all key stakeholders required to support the nationwide implementation of these reforms,” he concluded.
The integration of robust data systems with a people-focused expansion strategy positions these NHIA reforms as a pivotal step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria.
(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AIR/YMU
Edited by Yakubu Uba
