The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has expressed its approval of Senator Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe’s appointment as Chairman of its Governing Council, calling it a crucial step in furthering Nigeria’s health financing reforms. Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, the Director-General of NHIA, spoke in Abuja on Wednesday, commending the decision as one that aligns with the authority’s mission to provide affordable and inclusive healthcare for all Nigerians.
The appointment was approved by President Bola Tinubu. Oloriegbe, a medical doctor and former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health during the 9th Assembly, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Dr. Ohiri revealed that the NHIA leadership had recently held a “highly engaging and productive meeting” with the new Council Chairman, which signalled renewed energy for advancing healthcare reforms in the country.
“Oloriegbe has long been a strong advocate for accelerating financial access to quality and affordable healthcare,” Dr. Ohiri said, adding, “We look forward to working with him and the council to advance equitable and inclusive health financing reforms across the country.” He also highlighted Oloriegbe’s crucial role in the passage of the NHIA Act while in the Senate, noting that his return to health policy was seen as both timely and strategically important by stakeholders.
Dr. Ohiri expressed confidence in the leadership of the new council, stating that it would significantly aid the NHIA in fulfilling its mandate and help alleviate the financial burden of healthcare costs for millions of Nigerians.