In a decisive move to consolidate progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria, the Forum of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of State Social Health Insurance Agencies (SSHIAs) on Thursday, May 30, 2025, reelected Dr. Simeon Onyemeachi, Managing Director of the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency, as Chairman for another two-year term during its second quarterly meeting held in Lagos.

Held at the Sojourner by Genesis Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, the forum attracted CEOs of State Health Insurance Agencies from across Nigeria. The gathering featured robust discussions on expanding coverage and addressing critical challenges, culminating in the election of new executives who will steer the forum until 2027.

In his acceptance address, Dr. Onyemeachi reaffirmed the forum’s commitment to accelerating health insurance penetration across Nigeria, emphasizing peer learning and inter-state collaboration. He noted that UHC is attainable through two key strategies; social health insurance that leaves no one behind and a strong primary healthcare system.

Dr. Onyemeachi stated that while Nigeria has made remarkable progress over the past eight years, rising from zero to over 11 million enrollees in state health insurance schemes, much work remains. “We’ve seen tremendous progress, but to achieve UHC by 2030, every state must engage fully. No one must be left behind,” he declared.

Highlighting the importance of peer learning, the Chairman said the forum has helped states adapt best practices and avoid known pitfalls. He noted that today, all 36 states have established functional health insurance agencies reaching rural communities and promoting equity in health access through subsidized premiums.

He further urged state governments to leverage social protection programs such as conditional cash transfers by channeling them into health insurance premiums for vulnerable households. He expressed concern that six states have yet to onboard their civil servants, calling such inaction “a lack of belief in their own systems.”

Also speaking at the event, the Publicity Secretary of the Forum and Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, emphasized the inclusivity of social health insurance, particularly for the informal sector, SMEs, and vulnerable populations. “It’s about expanding access for those previously left out,” she said.

Dr. Zamba explained that Lagos alone has recorded an additional 6% in health insurance coverage within seven years of establishing its agency. She attributed the progress to affordable premiums, equity funds, and federal support through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).

She pointed out that with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act now making state health insurance mandatory, states must act quickly to scale enrollment. “It’s now law. Everyone, no matter where you live, must be part of your state’s scheme,” she added.

Head of the Electoral Committee and CEO of the Kebbi State Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Jafar Augie Mohammed, commended the forum’s transparency and maturity during the electoral process. He affirmed that each new executive was elected through a free and fair process in line with the forum’s constitution.

Dr. Mohammed also praised the forum’s strategic vision and stated that over 10 million Nigerians have been added to the social health insurance pool since 2015. “With continued support from state governors and alignment with the NHIA Act, Nigeria is on a clear path to UHC,” he asserted.

The Forum of CEOs of SSHIAs, established to promote peer learning and collaboration among state agencies, has become a pivotal platform for driving health insurance uptake in Nigeria. It supports innovations, policy alignment, and equitable access to health services for all Nigerians.

With the reelection of Dr. Onyemeachi and the renewed commitment of member states, the forum is expected to intensify efforts in onboarding civil servants, expanding informal sector inclusion, and ensuring that every Nigerian is covered by 2030 in line with SDG 3.8.

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