Health insurance experts and stakeholders have called for increased investment in capacity building, professional development, and strategic partnerships to accelerate the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria.

The call was made during the Health Insurance and Managed Care National Leadership Award of Excellence organised by the Institute for Health Insurance and Managed Care of Nigeria (IHIMN), with the theme: “Building Robust Capacity for Universal Health Coverage.”

Delivering the keynote address, the Patron of IHIMN and former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Dr Muhammed Mustafa Lecky, described health insurance as the most sustainable model for financing healthcare services.

According to him, expanding health insurance coverage remains critical to improving access to quality healthcare and shielding Nigerians from the financial hardship often associated with medical treatment.

Lecky expressed optimism about the future of health insurance in Nigeria, noting that continuous investment in capacity development and professional training would strengthen the sector and enhance service delivery.

Speaking at the event, the National Coordinator of IHIMN, Dr Moses Aiyebowo, said the institute remains at the forefront of developing skilled professionals for Nigeria’s health insurance industry through specialised training, certification, and licensing programmes.

He explained that the institute works closely with Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) and several state governments as a training consultant, helping to strengthen healthcare financing systems across the country.

Aiyebowo noted that health insurance has continued to improve access to healthcare for millions of Nigerians while also generating employment opportunities within the sector.

He stressed the importance of professionalism, transparency, and adherence to industry standards, insisting that integrity remains a cornerstone of effective health insurance administration.

The institute also advocated stronger collaboration with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) to expand health insurance coverage and improve awareness at the grassroots level.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Board of Fellows of IHIMN and former General Manager (Technical Operations) of NHIS, Dr Hope Uweja, emphasised the need for continuous investment in human capital, institutional strengthening, and professional standards.

He said sustained collaboration among stakeholders would be crucial in building a resilient health insurance system capable of delivering quality and affordable healthcare to all Nigerians.

The event also featured the presentation of the Health Insurance and Managed Care National Leadership Awards 2026, which recognised individuals and institutions for outstanding leadership, innovation, professionalism, and contributions to the development of health insurance and managed care in Nigeria.

Among the award recipients, Akwa Ibom State received the Outstanding Contribution to Health Insurance Development in Nigeria Award 2026 and the Fastest Growing Agency in Healthcare Coverage Award. Bayelsa State won the Best Health Insurance Agency in ICT Innovation Systems Award 2026, while Cross River State received the Outstanding Commitment to Equitable Healthcare Access Award.

Delta State was honoured with the Governor of the Year in State Social Health Insurance in Nigeria Award, while the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) received the Excellence in Health Insurance Administration Award 2026.

Imo State emerged winner of the Grand Award for Excellence in Health Insurance Leadership 2026, Kebbi State received the Best Agency in Project Management Award 2026, Lagos State won the Outstanding Female Health Insurance Leader of the Year 2026 Award, Ondo State clinched the Best Agency in Benefit Package Management Award 2026, and Sokoto State was recognised with the Excellence in Social Health Protection Award 2026.

The Yobe State Health Insurance Agency was also honoured with the Beneficiary Satisfaction Excellence Award 2026 for its commitment to quality service delivery and customer satisfaction.

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