NHIA Commissions Research to Expand Health Insurance Coverage & Partners with BOI to Drive Inclusion for MSMEs

Abuja & Lagos, Nigeria — The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has intensified efforts to make health insurance more inclusive and sustainable across Nigeria through innovative research initiatives and strategic partnerships with key economic partners, signalling renewed momentum toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

NHIA Opens Research Call to Bridge Health Insurance Gaps

In mid‑January 2026, the NHIA formally announced its plans to commission a series of targeted research studies designed to identify gaps and opportunities in Nigeria’s health insurance landscape. These research projects — captured under the authority’s 2025 budget — aim to generate evidence‑based strategies for expanding coverage, reducing out‑of‑pocket healthcare spending, and guiding policy reforms that promote equitable access to quality health services nationwide.

The studies will explore key areas such as expanding coverage to underserved populations, improving quality of care within health insurance frameworks, promoting equity in access, and enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of Nigeria’s health insurance market — all critical elements in achieving UHC and SDG 3.8 (financial protection and access to essential services).

NHIA and Bank of Industry Sign MoU to Scale Health Insurance Among MSMEs

In a major collaborative step reported recently, the NHIA and the Bank of Industry (BOI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at expanding health insurance uptake among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and individual entrepreneurs across Nigeria.

Under this partnership:

• Health insurance compliance will be integrated into BOI’s loan eligibility and disbursement processes, incentivising businesses to enrol their employees and beneficiaries into the national health insurance scheme.
• The initiative is expected to improve workforce stability, productivity, and financial resilience by reducing the burden of catastrophic medical expenses for small business owners and their workers.
• NHIA will provide continuous technical support to BOI and participating firms to ensure smooth implementation and broader coverage.

NHIA’s Director‑General, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, described the agreement as a transformative milestone in translating national health insurance policy into practical actions that support economic and social inclusion — a key pillar of the government’s development agenda.

Why This Matters for Nigeria’s Health & Economic Progress

Evidence‑Driven Expansion

The commissioning of dedicated research demonstrates an NHIA commitment to data‑informed policy, ensuring that coverage growth strategies are tailored to actual gaps in enrolment and service delivery across diverse communities.

Inclusive Economic Participation

Partnering with the Bank of Industry to integrate health insurance into MSME financing signals a shift toward health‑linked economic empowerment — a model that protects workers, enhances productivity, and strengthens small business resilience.

Progress Toward Universal Health Coverage

These efforts align with Nigeria’s broader health reforms under the National Health Insurance Authority Act, 2022 and the federal push for mandatory health insurance implementation — policies designed to reduce out‑of‑pocket costs and improve access to essential services for all citizens.

Collectively, NHIA’s initiatives indicate growing institutional momentum toward a more equitable, efficient, and financially sustainable health insurance ecosystem that supports both social inclusion and economic participation — pivotal for national development.