The Forum of Chief Executive Officers of State Social Health Insurance Agencies (SSHIAs) in Nigeria has called on state governments to deepen their commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by making health insurance mandatory for all residents across the country.
The call formed part of a communiqué issued at the end of the forum’s maiden two-day national summit held in Akure, Ondo State, from June 8 to 9.
Reading the communiqué, the Director-General of the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency stressed the need for stronger political will and legislative backing to drive universal access to healthcare services across the country.
The forum urged the establishment of a health insurance agency for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) through an enabling law, to align the territory’s healthcare financing framework with those of the 36 states.
It also called for a clear and enforceable legal framework to ensure effective implementation of health insurance laws, including mandatory coverage for workers in the formal sector at both state and local government levels.
The forum, whose Secretary-General is the Executive Secretary of the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr Vetty Agala, further advocated the harmonisation of federal and sub-national health insurance schemes. It emphasised the need for robust legislative oversight and sustained political commitment to extend mandatory health insurance to workers in the informal sector.
Participants at the summit endorsed a mixed financing model comprising government budgetary allocations, mandatory health insurance contributions and targeted subsidies for vulnerable groups. They also urged state governments to ensure the timely release of counterpart and equity funds while encouraging agencies to explore innovative funding mechanisms.
To expand coverage, the forum recommended prioritising the enrolment of informal sector workers, rural dwellers, women, children and persons with disabilities. It also advocated simplified enrolment processes through digital platforms and community-based structures to improve access and reduce exclusion.
The summit reaffirmed the critical role of primary healthcare centres as the foundation of service delivery, urging governments to invest in infrastructure, essential medicines, workforce development and efficient referral systems to guarantee quality healthcare.
Stakeholders also canvassed reforms in provider payment systems to improve efficiency, accountability and fraud prevention. They recommended strengthening capitation and performance-based payment models, alongside timely reimbursement mechanisms, to sustain provider participation and minimise service disruptions.
The forum further highlighted the importance of robust data systems and monitoring frameworks, calling for wider adoption of digital health information systems to support enrolment tracking, claims management, performance monitoring and independent oversight.
The Atlantic Bell reports that Rivers State was represented at the summit by Dr Vetty Agala, members of the RIVCHPP Board, management staff and technical officers.
