Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has called for urgent reforms in the country’s healthcare financing system to ensure broader access, reduced costs, and stronger infrastructure.
Edun made the remarks on Thursday while speaking at the National Health Financing Dialogue in Abuja, an event organized by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) under the theme “Reimagining the Future of Health Financing in Nigeria.”
He emphasized that sustainable financing, expanded health insurance coverage, and targeted investments in healthcare infrastructure are critical to transforming Nigeria’s health sector. According to him, such reforms are essential to reduce the financial burden on households and strengthen the resilience of the health system.
“We must prioritize innovative financing models, expand insurance to cover more Nigerians, and invest in the infrastructure needed to deliver quality healthcare,” Edun said.
The minister added that without these steps, Nigeria risks widening inequalities in access to care, as out-of-pocket spending continues to account for a large share of healthcare expenses. He underscored that building a more equitable and efficient health system requires collaboration between government, private sector stakeholders, and development partners.
The dialogue brought together policymakers, healthcare professionals, and international partners to discuss strategies for mobilizing resources and improving the efficiency of health spending in Africa’s most populous nation.
Observers note that the call for reform comes at a time when Nigeria faces rising healthcare costs, underfunded public facilities, and the urgent need to meet universal health coverage targets.
