Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana has urged the Federal Government to fully implement the National Health Insurance Authority Act of 2022, describing mandatory health insurance as a right that must be enforced to protect Nigerians from the financial burden of healthcare.
Falana spoke on Wednesday in Victoria Island, Lagos, at the launch of a N1 billion insurance trust fund for players in the entertainment industry. The initiative, promoted by Groove Tyme Entertainment in collaboration with Meristem, Leadway Assurance and other stakeholders, aims to provide insurance protection for artists and other vulnerable groups in the sector. Certificates were also presented to members of the initiative’s Board of Trustees.
The senior advocate noted that the previous National Health Insurance Scheme, established in 1999, had covered only a small fraction of the population. The NHIA Act, signed into law in 2022, replaced the voluntary scheme with a mandatory framework intended to expand coverage towards universal health coverage. “The government has enacted a law on insurance to have full insurance for Nigerians,” he said, adding that enforcement was now the critical step.
According to the National Health Insurance Authority, enrolment has risen substantially in recent years. Coverage stood at around 16.2 million to 16.8 million in late 2023 and early 2024. By the end of 2025 it had reached approximately 21.7 million, and official figures for mid-2026 placed the total at over 22 million, reflecting year-on-year growth of about 35 per cent in some reporting periods. State Social Health Insurance Agencies now account for a large share of enrollees, with states such as Delta, Lagos and Kano among the leaders. Even so, the figure still represents less than 10 per cent of Nigeria’s estimated population of about 240 million.
Falana argued that the traditional African extended family system, which once cushioned vulnerable members of society, had been weakened by social and economic changes. Developed countries, he said, had built formal social insurance systems to protect citizens, and Nigeria needed to do the same through consistent application of existing law. He stressed that the campaign should focus on rights rather than charity. “It’s not about asking for government — not asking for charity. We’re going to ask for the rights of the artists,” he said.
He expressed concern over the fate of entertainers and sports personalities after their active careers, noting that many successful Nigerians later faced financial vulnerability because of inadequate social protection. He cited the recent death of veteran actor Deji Aderemi, popularly known as Olofa Ina, who died after suffering from liver cancer, and recalled the difficulties faced by some former Nigerian footballers. “Why should artists, actors and actresses, successful people, become beggars in the society? Why shouldn’t we treat them with dignity?” he asked.
The lawyer also highlighted low public awareness of insurance. Using the example of the late musician Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, he said cultural attitudes often led people to resist life insurance because of reluctance to contemplate mortality. He urged insurance companies and stakeholders to intensify education on the value of insurance products.
Falana described the entertainment industry trust fund as an important step that could help artists plan for the future and live with dignity. He pledged free legal services to the initiative and assured organisers of protection against undue interference. He expressed hope that successful implementation in Nigeria could serve as a model for other African countries by encouraging citizens to demand rights rather than rely solely on government assistance.
The NHIA Act provides the legal foundation for mandatory coverage, stronger regulation and collaboration with state agencies. Progress in enrolment and provider payments has been recorded, including increases in capitation and fee-for-service reimbursements. Yet significant gaps remain, particularly for informal sector workers, the poor and specialised groups such as entertainers whose incomes are often irregular. Full enforcement of the Act, combined with private-sector initiatives like the new trust fund, will determine how far Nigeria advances towards meaningful financial protection in healthcare.