Kurfi Abubakar

1/ *Strengthening Health Security for Nigeria's Armed Forces* The DG of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, recently paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, MON, at Ship House, Abuja.

This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to building a resilient healthcare ecosystem through strategic partnerships.

The meeting provided an opportunity to explore areas of potential alignment and collaboration on data related to health financing, supporting post–policy dialogues to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, and providing technical assistance on health insurance.

The DG NHIA, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, @k_ohiri hosted a courtesy visit led by Dr. Pavel Ursu, the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Nigeria. NHIA reaffirmed its commitment to expanding universal health coverage and implementing strategic equity interventions.

*Disclaimer: Fake DG Account Alert* The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), @nhia_nigeria urgently alerts the public of a fake LinkedIn account impersonating the DG, @k_ohiri This fraudulent profile is NOT affiliated with the NHIA or its leadership. Page bellow👇

The training equipped the #SSHIAs with hands-on skills to apply the @NHIA_ng Vulnerability Assessment Tool to identify poor and vulnerable populations—particularly those affected by TB and HIV, key focus areas of the Global Fund RSSH grant. @NTBLCP1 @GafarAlawode @abukurfi

Participants also conducted field testing of the tool in selected communities in Bauchi State, providing practical, real-time experience in assessing vulnerability and informing state-level enrollment strategies. @nhia_nigeria @LafiyaPalladium @GafarAlawode @abukurfi

Call for IHP correspondents 2026 internationalhealthpolicies.org/blogs/call-for…

Happening now in Kano State: @dgiconsult is supporting @nhia_nigeria with funding from @LafiyaPalladium to facilitate a 3-day training for North-West states on the Vulnerability Assessment Tool for identifying the poor & vulnerable groups for health insurance enrollment.

#Day2 of the North-West States training on the NHIA Vulnerability Assessment Tool. Participants are conducting field practice of the tool in selected communities in Kano State. @nhia_nigeria @LafiyaPalladium @results4dev @GafarAlawode @abukurfi

.@abukurfi notes that vulnerability analysis and financial sustainability are impossible without reliable data. In Africa, widespread poverty and low affordability make it particularly challenging to cover the informal sector. He adds that sin and sugar-sweetened Beverage (SSB) taxes can generate resources to support those who cannot afford health insurance. #BeyondAidDependency #HealthTaxes

Dr @abukurfi, Director of Planning, Research & Statistics at @nhia_nigeria, explains that strategically designed taxes can improve health outcomes by discouraging harmful consumption and generating funds for healthcare services. He highlights that robust data is crucial to inform these policies, revealing the true cost of diseases to communities and the potential impact of targeted interventions. #BeyondAidDependency @Fmohnigeria @k_ohiri

“Vulnerability analysis and financial sustainability cannot happen without data. In Africa, poverty and low affordability make covering the informal sector very challenging. SSD taxes can mobilise resources for those who cannot pay for health insurance.” — Dr Abubakar Kurfi, Director Planning, Research & Statistics, NHIA, Nigeria #BeyondAidDependency #Tax #HealthTaxes

“Rather than funding one disease, resources should purchase comprehensive coverage. For example, someone with diabetes involved in a road accident or a hypertensive patient giving birth would both be covered. This aligns with national UHC aspirations.” — Dr Abubakar Kurfi, Director Planning, Research & Statistics, NHIA, Nigeria #BeyondAidDependency #NCDs #HealthTaxes #UHC

The discussion on health taxes at today’s roundtable has been engaging, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable health financing in Africa. Up next: a panel on: Leveraging health taxes as a reliable financing mechanism for health, moderated by Dr @DrMercyKorir, CEO and Editor-In-Chief, @WillowHealth, featuring health & finance experts Dr @abukurfi, Dr @matendechero, @edwin_macharia, and Mr @taiwoyedele, Chairman, Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms #BeyondAidDependency

The DG/CEO NHIA,@k_ohiri led the NHIA Expanded Management Committee Meeting to deliberate on strategies to scale up coverage with health insurance for all Nigerians. @nhia_nigeria

NHIA signs landmark MoUs to strengthen health Insurance, service quality radionigeria.gov.ng/2025/10/08/nhi…

FG considers increasing BHCPF allocation to 2% amid high cost of healthcare thenationonlineng.net/fg-mulls-doubl…

The National Health Financing Policy Dialogue aims to reimagine financing models that make healthcare more equitable, sustainable, and accessible for all Nigerians. This policy dialogue comes at a critical moment of reflection and collective responsibility, as countries across Africa continue to grapple with fragile health systems, fiscal pressures, and the realities of donor transitions. #NHFDNGR2025