By Joyce Remi Babayeju
Health Insurance Agencies across Nigeria have been urged to unite to enable the country achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The immediate past Chairman of the Forum of Chief Executive Officers of State Social Health Insurance Agencies (SSHIAs), Dr. Simeon Onyemechi, made the call while welcoming members to the Forum’s first quarter 2026 meeting in Abuja.
Onyemechi stressed the need for a collective effort among states, warning against what he described as the “polio effect,” in the country where gaps in one state could hinder national success.
He said, “Let’s not allow anything to break our ranks. If one state fails to meet the UHC target, Nigeria cannot be said to have achieved it”, drawing parallels with Nigeria’s polio eradication efforts where isolated cases delayed certification.
He also announced his decision to step down as Chairman following the completion of his two-term tenure as CEO of the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency, appreciating members for their support and urging continued commitment to the UHC agenda.
Earlier, the Forum’s Secretary-General and CEO of Rivers State SHIA, Dr. Vetty Agala, said the meeting focused on reviewing progress, addressing challenges, and promoting peer learning.
She disclosed that members had conducted bye-elections to fill vacant positions while preparing for a national summit.
The Forum’s Vice Chairman and Director-General of Katsina State Contributory Health Management Agency, Mohammed Tukur Shafana, disclosed that enrollment across states has risen to over 17 million, excluding figures from the NHIA.
Shafana noted that states have adopted innovative measures to address challenges surrounding the mandatory National Identification Number (NIN), including partnerships with NIMC agents to facilitate registration at healthcare facilities.
Highlights of the meeting included bye-elections which produced Mallam Safana Mohammed as substantive Chairman, Dr. Aledare as Vice Chairman I, and Dr. Divine Igwe as Vice Chairman II.
A key resolution of the meeting was renewed commitment by all states to work collectively towards achieving Universal Health Coverage.
The meeting was attended by representatives from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
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