Nigeria's Health Insurance Enrolment Surges to 22 Million

As of July 2026, Nigeria's health insurance enrolment has reached 22.03 million, marking a 35% increase from the previous year, according to the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). This growth is attributed to enhanced participation in both federal and state-backed health insurance programs, with state social health insurance agencies contributing 9.74 million beneficiaries compared to 7.07 million under NHIA-managed programs.

However, the coverage remains inadequate relative to Nigeria's population, leaving many citizens, particularly low-income households and informal sector workers, exposed to rising out-of-pocket healthcare costs. The NHIA Act, enacted in 2022, aims to expand health insurance coverage to all Nigerians and legal residents.

Despite the NHIA's efforts, industry stakeholders, including Dr. Moyosore Olomola, Managing Director/CEO of SUNU Health Nigeria Limited, argue that structural challenges hinder broader enrollment. Key obstacles include income volatility, inadequate provider networks, and low public trust, which must be addressed to achieve universal health coverage.