The Federal Government has increased the capitation fee for those enrolled under the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) from ₦750 to ₦1,450 per capita, in a policy move designed to strengthen service delivery and improve health care outcomes.
Announcing the increase via the
Pate explained that the new rate addresses one of the major barriers to effective service delivery, the long-standing challenge of low provider payments, which has reduced the quality of care available to millions of Nigerians enrolled in the scheme.
“For years, the capitation was ₦750 per person. We have doubled it to ₦1,450 to ensure that providers are properly equipped to provide consistent, high-quality care,” Pate said.
Fee rates for the service have also been increased by 380%, following actuarial reviews designed to align payments with actual service costs, he said.
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The minister highlighted that the reforms are part of broader efforts to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure, which currently accounts for about 70% of Nigeria's total health expenditure.
According to him, expanding social health insurance is the “sure path” to achieving equal access to health care and protecting families from financial hardship.
The minister also revealed that in 2024 alone, Nigeria recorded over 24 million new health insurance enrolments, the highest ever, taking the total coverage to about 20 million Nigerians. He said the government aims to reach 44 million by 2030, supported by expanded infrastructure and a growing health workforce.
He said the NHIA has been directed to monitor healthcare providers and embark on mystery shopping to ensure that insured Nigerians are not denied treatment.
