The director-general of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Kelechi Ohiri has hailed the appointment of Sen. Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe as chairman of the NHIA Governing Council, describing it as a major boost for Nigeria’s ongoing health financing reforms.
Speaking with journalists on Wednesday in Abuja, Ohiri expressed confidence that Oloriegbe’s appointment would reinvigorate efforts toward affordable and inclusive healthcare for all Nigerians.
Science Nigeria reports that President Bola Tinubu approved Oloriegbe’s appointment, recognising his extensive experience as a medical doctor and his impactful tenure as chairman of the Senate Committee on Health in the 9th Assembly. Oloriegbe is widely respected for championing health legislation and advocating equitable healthcare access.
Ohiri disclosed that the NHIA leadership recently held a productive engagement with the new council chairman, setting the stage for collaboration on critical reforms. “We are optimistic that under his leadership, we will advance equitable and inclusive health financing across the country,” he said.
He highlighted Oloriegbe’s pivotal role in the passage of the NHIA Act, noting that his return to the health policy arena comes at a crucial time for Nigeria’s health sector.
According to Ohiri, Oloriegbe’s expertise and commitment to public health will be instrumental in steering the NHIA towards full implementation of its mandate. He expressed confidence that the new leadership would help shield millions of Nigerians from catastrophic out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, ensuring progress toward universal health coverage.
