The Forum of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of State Social Health Insurance Agencies (SSHIAs) has reaffirmed its commitment to a unified front, asserting that collective action is the only path toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria.
The resolution was reached during the Forum’s 2026 First Quarter Meeting held in the Federal Capital Territory, where members emphasized the “polio effect”—a warning that the failure of a single state could jeopardize the entire nation’s health security goals.
In his opening address, the immediate past Chairman of the Forum, Dr. Simeon Onyemechi, urged state agencies to maintain rank and work “shoulder to shoulder.” Drawing a parallel to Nigeria’s long battle with poliomyelitis, Dr. Onyemechi noted that the country could not be certified polio-free as long as a single state reported cases.
Onyemechi said: “If any state is left behind in this race, Nigeria will not be said to have attained Universal Health Coverage.
“Let us not allow anything to break our ranks.” The meeting marked the end of Dr. Onyemechi’s tenure, following the expiration of his two-term leadership at the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA). He expressed gratitude to the members for their support during his leadership.
Progress and Enrollment Surges Despite the challenges of implementation, the Forum reported significant growth in health insurance coverage across the country.
Mallam Mohammed Tukur Shafana, Vice Chair of the Forum and DG of the Katsina State Contributory Health Management Agency, revealed that state enrollment figures have hit a record high.
The Forum’s Secretary-General and CEO of the Rivers State SHIA, Dr. Vetty Agala, outlined the roadmap for the coming months.
The Secretary said key priorities include:Peer Learning: Identifying specific state-level challenges and sharing successful solutions, addressing “burning issues” regarding the relationship between state agencies and the National Health Insurance Authority, and lanning a high-level summit to consolidate the UHC agenda.
A central highlight of the Q1 meeting was a bye-election to fill vacancies created by outgoing members.
The forum also affirmed a new executive team to steer the UHC agenda forward.
