Groups Launch Health Insurance Push for Nigeria’s Vulnerable Populations
Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – Non-governmental organisations launch a nationwide push to expand health insurance coverage for vulnerable Nigerians, targeting five states in a bid to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare costs and improve access to primary care.
The Global Health Charity and Training Foundation (GHCTF), in partnership with the Private Health Sector Alliance of Nigeria (PHSAN), unveils the Inclusive Health Insurance Enrolment Programme (I-HELP) in Lagos on Wednesday, aiming to enrol indigent populations into state-backed insurance schemes across Lagos, Imo, Oyo, Delta and Bayelsa.
Speaking at the launch, GHCTF President, Dr Adebayo Akintobi, says the initiative addresses persistent gaps in healthcare access. “We are bridging systemic gaps driven by preventable diseases, workforce shortages, and inequitable access to care,” he states.
Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr Olutomi Coker, describes the programme as a “strategic intervention” designed to simplify enrolment and attract donor funding. She adds that priority groups include “pregnant women, low-income earners, and rural communities facing financial barriers.”
Health analysts say Nigeria’s low insurance penetration continues to expose millions to catastrophic health spending, underscoring the urgency of scalable interventions like I-HELP.
About the Author
Chukwu Obinna