Pate Inaugurates NHIA Governing Council, Charges Members To Drive Universal Health Coverage
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, has officially inaugurated the Governing Council of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), urging members to build on recent progress and fast-track Nigeria’s journey towards universal health coverage.
Speaking at the ceremony held in Abuja, Professor Pate described the newly constituted council as highly capable, pointing to their wealth of experience and expertise.
He particularly commended the appointment of Senator Dr Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe as Council Chairman, noting his instrumental role in shaping Nigeria’s health insurance laws.
“This is a critical time for healthcare in Nigeria,” Pate stated. “The groundwork has been laid over the past year and a half tariff reviews, expanded enrolment, and targeted support for vulnerable groups. Your task is to build on this momentum.”
In his response, Senator Oloriegbe expressed appreciation for the trust placed in him, highlighting his previous legislative work which included the NHIA Act, the Mental Health Act, and reforms to psychiatric care infrastructure.
He pledged that the council would carry out its duties with dedication, transparency, and a focus on results.
NHIA Director-General Dr Kelechi Ohiri stressed the importance of shared responsibility in health system reform. “No single institution can achieve universal health coverage alone,” he said. “It requires partnerships—across public and private sectors, with communities, and with development partners.”
The NHIA has recorded notable milestones recently, including a rise in health insurance enrolment from 16.8 million in 2023 to 20 million in 2025, and expanded maternal health support to over 7,500 women.
New policies, such as a 1-hour referral code and a long-awaited tariff increase for providers, have also boosted access and quality.
With the new governing council now in place, the Authority is expected to deepen reforms and accelerate progress in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda a vision that places affordable and inclusive healthcare at the centre of national development.
