SSHIA CEOs unite for universal health coverage, warn against ‘polio effect’ in states

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

Chief Executive Officers of State Social Health Insurance Agencies (SSHIAs) across Nigeria have resolved to collaborate fully to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), stressing that no state can be left behind or the national goal will falter—like the “polio effect” that delayed polio eradication.

The call came at the Forum of CEOs of SSHIAs’ First Quarter 2026 Meeting in Abuja, attended by representatives from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Dr. Simeon Onyemechi, immediate past chairman and outgoing CEO of Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA), urged unity during his welcome address, according to a statement issued by David Barau, the PRO of the organization.

“Let’s not allow anything to break our ranks, and work shoulder to shoulder,” Onyemechi said. “If one state does not do the needful with regards to UHC, then ultimately, Nigeria will not be said to have attained UHC.” He drew parallels to polio campaigns, where a single state’s lag prevented national certification as polio-free.

Stepping down after his two-term tenure, Onyemechi thanked members for their support and charged them to back the interim executive committee in advancing the UHC agenda.

Forum Secretary General and CEO of Rivers State SHIA, Dr. Vetty Agala, outlined the meeting’s goals: reviewing progress, tackling challenges, peer learning, holding bye-elections, engaging the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) on key issues, and planning a national summit.

Vice Chairman Mohammed Tukur Shafana, Director-General of Katsina State Contributory Health Management Agency, reported surging enrollment. “The enrollment figures have been going up and up… as at now we have over 17 million enrollments across our various states, outside NHIA data,” he said.

He noted some laggard states are now active and innovative fixes for the Mandatory National Identification Number (NIN) hurdle, like deadlines for delisting non-compliant enrollees and on-site NIMC registration at facilities.

Highpoints included bye-elections affirming Mallam Safana Mohammed as substantive Chairman, Dr. Aledare as Vice Chairman 1, and Dr. Divine Igwe as Vice Chairman 2.

One key resolution: collective action toward UHC. The Forum serves as a peer-review platform for state health insurance leaders.