By Emmanuella Oghenetega
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOHSW), has announced its plan to convene a High-level National Policy Dialogue under the theme: “Reimagining the Future of Health Financing in Nigeria.”
The Dialogue which will brings together senior government officials, policymakers, development partners, civil society, academia, and the private sector to deliberate on innovative and sustainable approaches to healthcare financing that will guarantee equitable access to quality health services for all Nigerians, is scheduled to hold 1st – 4th September, 2025.
This platform builds on Nigeria’s leadership within Africa in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC). In February 2019, at the African Leadership Meeting (ALM) during the 32nd Ordinary Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Addis Ababa; member states, including Nigeria, made a landmark pledge to increase domestic financing for health.
The resulting ALM Declaration reaffirmed continental commitment to stronger, more resilient, and self-reliant health systems.
Riding on the above declaration, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, emphasized that Nigeria’s next chapter in healthcare reform will be anchored on ongoing investments and national strategic reforms.
He said, “At the heart of our next phase of transformation is a simple but urgent mission: to save lives, to reduce both physical and financial suffering, and to deliver health for all Nigerians, without leaving anyone behind.
Through the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, the Sector-Wide Approach, and our Strategic Plan; we are aligning government, partners, and resources behind a shared vision of equity, accountability, and sustainability.”
To this end, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), highlighted the NHIA’s commitment to scaling health insurance coverage and deepening financial protection.
The Policy Dialogue, according to the DG NHIA, aims to: Review findings from the State of Health Financing Report.
Build consensus on nationally supported, politically feasible strategies to expand and sustain domestic health financing among others.
