Abuja, Nigeria – Health insurance coverage in Nigeria has expanded to 21.7 million people in 2025, up from 19.2 million in 2024. This figure represents approximately 13% of the country’s population of over 220 million people.
Okay News reports that the 2025 State of Health of the Nation Report revealed this progress. The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare produced the document under the National Health Act of 2014.
The report assesses Nigeria’s health sector progress under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative. It also evaluates coordination through the Sector-Wide Approach for health investments and reforms.
The government has demonstrated commitment to implementing mandatory health insurance nationwide. Capitation payments have increased by 93% to align with economic realities. Fee-for-service payments rose by 378% to ensure sustainable care delivery.
The Basic Health Care Provision Fund 2.0 launched in October 2025. This program enrolled approximately 2.7 million Nigerians by the fourth quarter of the year.
The National Health Insurance Authority signed memoranda of understanding with over 200 health facilities. These agreements improve access to Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care for vulnerable women.
Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care services have reached 19,270 women nationwide. Additionally, 242 facilities were empanelled under the maternal health component of the program.
In 2024, President Bola Tinubu directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to implement mandatory health insurance. This directive aligns with the National Health Insurance Act of 2022.
The policy aims to expand health coverage, safeguard workers, and reduce out-of-pocket spending. Ministries must enroll employees in National Health Insurance Authority plans. They must also present valid certificates for public procurement and licensing.
A digital platform was established for verification of Health Insurance Certificates. This ensures transparency and monitors compliance across government institutions.
The report highlighted training of over 23,000 additional frontline health workers in 2025. This brings the total trained in the past two years to 78,146. The figure represents 65% of the federal government’s target of 120,000 health workers.
These efforts strengthen service delivery, particularly at primary healthcare facilities across Nigeria’s 36 states and Federal Capital Territory.
Despite coverage expansion, rising costs for drugs and hospital consumables have reshaped healthcare financing. Inflation, surging import costs, and rising overheads have forced hospitals to raise service tariffs.
Health Maintenance Organisations have increased premiums significantly between 2024 and 2025. Increases range from 8% for basic plans to 59% for top-tier coverage. This adds financial pressure on consumers seeking private health insurance.
The rising premiums highlight the need for continued reforms. Quality healthcare must remain accessible to more Nigerians as the country works toward universal health coverage goals.
