NHIA Sets Agenda for Sustainable Health Financing

The Federal Government, through the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has launched a four-day National Health Financing Policy Dialogue in Abuja to develop a sustainable and equitable funding plan for Nigeria’s health sector.

NHIA Director-General, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, said the dialogue comes at a decisive moment as the nation faces rising healthcare demands, declining donor support, and pressing demographic shifts. He noted that strengthening domestic financing for health is vital not only for achieving universal health coverage but also for boosting productivity and economic growth.

Highlighting challenges such as high out-of-pocket expenses, weak financial protection, and poor coordination across government tiers, Ohiri emphasized the need for stronger accountability, deeper sub-national involvement, and private sector participation.

The dialogue builds on global commitments made at the World Health Assembly, where Nigeria pledged to increase domestic health investment and improve financial systems for tracking expenditure. Stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, and development partners are expected to produce a roadmap that will transform health financing into a key driver of national development.