The National Health Insurance Authority has announced plans to commission a series of research studies to expand health insurance coverage in Nigeria.

NAHA said this was because millions of citizens continue to pay for healthcare services out of pocket.

The authority disclosed this through its official website on Thursday, adding that it had invited qualified consultants and firms to submit Expressions of Interest.

The body stated that the invitation, issued by its Procurement Department, is for the conduct of various research projects aimed at scaling up nationwide health insurance coverage.

It said that the initiative, captured under its 2025 budget, aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage.

It also supports the Sustainable Development Goal target 3.8, focusing on financial risk protection and access to quality essential health services for all.

Nigeria’s healthcare system remains heavily dependent on out-of-pocket payments, a situation health experts say exposes households to catastrophic health spending and pushes many families into poverty.

The authority noted that health financing plays a critical role in achieving UHC, adding that inadequate investment and weak financing mechanisms have continued to limit access to care, especially for vulnerable populations.

It said that the proposed research is expected to generate evidence to guide policy reforms, improve enrolment strategies, and address structural barriers hindering the expansion of health insurance coverage across the country.

According to NAHA, the exercise would be conducted in line with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act 2007, assuring transparency and competitiveness in the selection of consultants.

Health sector analysts believe the move underscores a growing recognition that data-driven solutions are needed to close Nigeria’s health insurance gap.

They, however, cautioned that translating research findings into actionable policies and measurable coverage gains would be critical to reducing the financial burden of healthcare on Nigerians. 

((NAN)