FG To Convene Policy Dialogue On Health Financing, Universal Coverage
…Stakeholders To Review Reforms And Chart New Strategies For Equitable Healthcare
Dr. Nafisat Makinde, Abuja
The Federal Government will, from September 1 to 4, 2025, host a National Policy Dialogue on Healthcare Financing and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Abuja.
The high-level meeting, organised by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOHSW), will hold under the theme: “Reimagining the Future of Health Financing in Nigeria.” It is expected to bring together senior government officials, policymakers, development partners, civil society groups, academia and private sector leaders to explore sustainable models for equitable access to healthcare.
The dialogue builds on Nigeria’s commitment at the 2019 African Leadership Meeting in Addis Ababa, where African leaders pledged to increase domestic financing for health and strengthen resilient systems across the continent.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, said the Abuja meeting will consolidate ongoing reforms.
“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,” he said.
He added: “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.”
Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, said the dialogue would review findings from the State of Health Financing Report and build consensus on feasible strategies to expand and sustain domestic health financing. He noted that the NHIA remains committed to scaling insurance coverage and deepening financial protection.
The outcomes of the meeting are expected to shape the next phase of Nigeria’s healthcare reforms and fast-track progress toward Universal Health Coverage.