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President Bola Tinubu has appointed Dr. Ibrahim Oloriegbe as the Chairman of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) for an initial four-year term. The appointment, which took effect from March 11, 2025, was announced in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Dr. Oloriegbe, a former senator who represented Kwara Central in the 9th National Assembly, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He previously served as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and led the Joint National Assembly Committee on Health.
Dr. Oloriegbe holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, as well as a Master’s in Coaching and Consultation from the University of Oxford, UK, and HEC, Paris. He is a member of several professional organizations, including the Nigerian Medical Association, Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria, and the International Aids Society.
NHIA’s Role in Nigeria’s Healthcare System
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) plays a critical role in Nigeria’s healthcare system. Established in 1999, the NHIA is responsible for regulating and supervising the country’s health insurance scheme.
The NHIA’s primary objective is to ensure that all Nigerians have access to affordable and quality healthcare. The authority achieves this by:
– Regulating Health Insurance Providers: The NHIA regulates and supervises health insurance providers to ensure they provide quality services to their clients.
– Developing Health Insurance Policies: The NHIA develops and implements policies that promote the growth and development of the health insurance industry in Nigeria.
– Providing Healthcare Services: The NHIA provides healthcare services to vulnerable populations, such as the poor and elderly.
As the new Chairman of the NHIA, Dr. Oloriegbe is expected to bring his wealth of experience and expertise to the role. His vision for the NHIA is likely to focus on:
– Increasing Access to Healthcare: Dr. Oloriegbe is likely to prioritize increasing access to healthcare services for all Nigerians, particularly vulnerable populations.
– Improving Healthcare Quality: Dr. Oloriegbe may focus on improving the quality of healthcare services provided by health insurance providers.
– Promoting Health Insurance Enrollment: Dr. Oloriegbe may work to promote health insurance enrollment among Nigerians, particularly those in the informal sector.
President Tinubu’s appointment of Dr. Ibrahim Oloriegbe as the Chairman of the NHIA is a significant development in Nigeria’s healthcare sector. With his wealth of experience and expertise, Dr. Oloriegbe is well-positioned to lead the NHIA in achieving its objectives.