Nigeria is intensifying its push toward universal health coverage by integrating digital identity into its healthcare system, a move aimed at ensuring equitable access and operational efficiency. The initiative stems from a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), which establishes the National Identification Number (NIN) as a key requirement for accessing health services. This strategic alignment is expected to streamline patient verification, eliminate fraud, and improve the targeting of health benefits to the right individuals.
The country’s universal health coverage program, first introduced in 2005 and revitalized under the NHIA Act of 2022, sets an ambitious goal of achieving full coverage for all Nigerians by 2030. By linking healthcare access to digital identity, the government aims to enhance data accuracy, reduce duplication, and foster transparency in service delivery. NHIA Director General Kelechi Ohiri emphasized that this digital transformation will not only improve administrative efficiency but also enable better tracking of health outcomes and resource allocation.
This integration is part of a broader digital health strategy that includes platforms like the Care365 Health Hub, launched in September 2025, which offers affordable, patient-centered digital services. The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s “Renewed Hope” agenda and reflects a growing commitment to leveraging technology for inclusive and resilient healthcare systems. By embedding digital ID into the health infrastructure, Nigeria is positioning itself to overcome long-standing barriers in healthcare access and build a more accountable and responsive system that serves all citizens.