Nigeria made a major digital governance move by integrating its digital identification system with its health system.
The National Identification Management Commission (NIMC) and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) signed an MoU to connect NINs with health insurance records. The country strives to increase healthcare access and efficiency nationwide.
Linking identity to healthcare access
Under the partnership, the NIMC will ensure that every registered citizen’s NIN is integrated into the NHIA’s database. This unified system will enable quick verification of eligibility for health services, reducing fraudulent claims and streamlining patient management processes.
Kelechi Ohiri, NHIA CEO, highlighted the impact: “This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to building a resilient healthcare ecosystem through strong inter-agency partnerships”. The government intends to enhance inclusivity and transparency, particularly for underserved communities, by linking identity to health records.
Digital transformation boosting service delivery
The integration aligns with Nigeria’s broader digital transformation strategy led by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. The initiative is designed to improve data accuracy, support healthcare planning, and reduce paperwork for providers and patients.
Similar partnerships have been established in other African nations to address health insurance fraud through digital identity. By directly connecting citizens to health services, the system’s expansion is expected to enhance Nigeria’s universal health coverage objectives, ensuring that no one is left behind, as nearly 124 million NINs have been issued thus far.
This alliance marks a significant leap towards a more innovative, transparent health system linked to a national digital ID infrastructure.