Niger Government Targets 65,000 Vulnerable Residents in New Health Insurance Enrolment Drive

Published By Ayshatu S Rabo On Aug 4, 2026

Niger Government Targets 65,000 Vulnerable Residents in New Health Insurance Enrolment Drive

The Niger State Government has commenced a fresh enrolment drive under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), targeting an additional 65,000 vulnerable residents for coverage under the state’s health insurance programme, NiCARE.

The initiative is aimed at expanding access to affordable and essential healthcare services for poor and vulnerable residents across the state’s 25 Local Government Areas.

The BHCPF is a national public financing mechanism established under the National Health Act 2014 to strengthen access to primary healthcare, particularly for vulnerable populations. It is financed with at least one per cent of the Federal Government’s Consolidated Revenue Fund.

Flagging off the enrolment campaign, the Wife of the Niger State Governor, Hajiya Fatima Mohammed Bago, said improving hospitals and healthcare facilities must be complemented by measures that enable citizens to access the services without suffering financial hardship.

Hajiya Fatima expressed optimism that the new enrolment drive would provide more vulnerable residents with access to essential healthcare services, while commending the administration of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for its interventions in the state’s health sector.

She urged traditional and religious leaders, community leaders, healthcare workers, development partners and the media to intensify public sensitisation to encourage eligible residents to enrol and take advantage of the state’s health insurance programme.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Muhammad Bagana, described the BHCPF as an important instrument for expanding healthcare access across Niger State.

He disclosed that, through the efforts of the Niger State Contributory Health Scheme (NiCare) and support from development partners, more than 121,000 residents had already benefited from essential healthcare services.

According to him, the enrolment of another 65,000 vulnerable residents represents a significant step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the state.

He noted that the initiative would provide renewed hope for families who may otherwise struggle to meet the cost of essential medical treatment.

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger State Contributory Health Agency, Sulayman Abu-Bakr, disclosed that since the commencement of BHCPF implementation in Niger State in 2020, a total of 80,230 vulnerable beneficiaries had been enrolled.

He added that the programme had supported the treatment of approximately 298,000 malaria cases, recorded 106,000 antenatal care visits, and facilitated the immunisation of about 68,000 children.

Abu-Bakr said many vulnerable residents were still outside the health insurance system, making the latest target of 65,000 additional beneficiaries an important milestone in the state government’s efforts to improve the wellbeing of its citizens.

He commended Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for what he described as remarkable interventions in the health sector and pledged the agency’s continued commitment to expanding healthcare coverage.

Representatives of the National Health Insurance Authority, World Bank, Niger State Internal Revenue Service and other development partners also delivered goodwill messages, commending the state government’s health-sector initiatives and reaffirming their continued support.

A major highlight of the event was the formal unveiling of Hajiya Fatima Mohammed Bago as NiCARE Ambassador, alongside the inauguration of vice chairpersons of the 25 Local Government Areas as health insurance ambassadors.

The new campaign is expected to strengthen the state’s drive towards universal healthcare coverage by ensuring that more vulnerable Nigerlites can access quality healthcare without the burden of paying directly for essential medical services.