FG to host high-level dialogue on healthcare financing, push for UHC

By Kunle Sanni –

The federal government will hold a National Policy Dialogue on Healthcare Financing from September 1 to 4, 2025, in Abuja, as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s push toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Organized by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the event—titled “Reimagining the Future of Health Financing in Nigeria”—will bring together senior government officials, policymakers, development partners, civil society groups, academics, and private sector stakeholders to develop innovative and sustainable financing strategies for equitable access to quality health services.

Health Minister Professor Muhammad Ali Pate said Nigeria’s next chapter in healthcare reform will be anchored on ongoing investments and strategic reforms.

“At the heart of our next phase of transformation is a simple but urgent mission: to save lives, reduce both physical and financial suffering, and deliver health for all Nigerians without leaving anyone behind,” Pate stated, citing the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the Sector-Wide Approach as key drivers.

Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, said the dialogue will review findings from the State of Health Financing Report and build consensus on politically feasible strategies to expand and sustain domestic funding for health.

The policy platform builds on Nigeria’s 2019 pledge at the African Leadership Meeting in Addis Ababa, where African Union member states committed to boosting domestic health investment under the ALM Declaration.

The federal government says the upcoming dialogue will align government priorities, partner resources, and policy frameworks behind a shared vision of equity, accountability, and sustainability in healthcare delivery.