HCPAN Raises Alarm Over Nigeria’s Poor Health Insurance Coverage

The Lagos State Chapter of the Healthcare Providers Association of Nigeria (HCPAN) has expressed deep concern over the alarmingly low health insurance coverage in the country, revealing that over 190 million Nigerians remain uninsured despite more than 20 years of government-led efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The issue was brought to the forefront during HCPAN’s Midyear Extraordinary General Meeting and Capacity Building Programme, themed “Appraisal of Health Insurance Coverage in Nigeria: Business Opportunity for Healthcare Providers.” The event convened key stakeholders from both the public and private health sectors to assess the gaps in coverage and explore practical solutions.

In her address, Pharm. Abiola Paul-Ozieh, Chairman of HCPAN Lagos, described the situation as a national disgrace.

“It is both disheartening and unacceptable that after over two decades of health insurance in Nigeria, more than 90 percent of our population remains uninsured,” she said. “We cannot achieve universal health coverage with such massive exclusion.”

Paul-Ozieh called for urgent action from the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and government at all levels. She urged them to harmonise federal and state policies, address low public awareness, and demonstrate visible leadership and accountability.

“Nigerians are tired of policies that look good on paper. What they need now is leadership in action—measurable results, not promises,” she added.

Echoing the concern, HCPAN National President, Dr. Austin Aipoh, criticised the poor enforcement of the NHIA Act, which mandates compulsory health insurance for all Nigerians.

“The law exists, but implementation is nearly nonexistent. As a result, families continue to shoulder healthcare costs alone, plunging millions into poverty,” he said.

Aipoh emphasised the need for sustained funding, robust public education campaigns, and, most importantly, the political will to enforce the law effectively. While he acknowledged recent improvements such as revised provider tariffs by the NHIA, he warned that inflation and economic instability were quickly eroding those gains.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Kalada Richard, Registrar of the Institute for Healthcare Finance and Management, described the current state of health insurance in Nigeria as both a public health crisis and a missed economic opportunity.

“With a population of over 200 million, only about 20 million Nigerians are insured. That means nearly 190 million people pay out-of-pocket for healthcare. This is not only a huge financial strain on households but also a missed opportunity for providers and insurers,” he said.

Richard advocated for innovative, tech-driven, community-based insurance models to reach informal sector workers—the majority of Nigeria’s workforce. He also called for targeted subsidies to support the poor and vulnerable.

Chairman of the event and Chief Medical Director of St. Rachael Hospital, Lagos, Dr. Anthony Omolola, pointed to public distrust as a major barrier to enrollment.

“Many Nigerians don’t see value in health insurance. When people pay and still can’t access care, they lose trust. To rebuild confidence, the NHIA must prioritize transparency, quality service delivery, and responsiveness,” he said.

The event concluded with a collective call for stronger collaboration between public and private stakeholders. Participants urged the NHIA to initiate a nationwide enrollment campaign, integrate digital tools for registration and claims, and actively involve healthcare providers in policy development and monitoring.

Healthcare providers reaffirmed their dedication to advancing health insurance in Nigeria—not just as a human right, but as a viable, sustainable solution to the country’s healthcare challenges.