President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, former Senator representing Kwara Central, as the new Chairman of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). The appointment, which took effect from March 11, 2025, will run for an initial term of four years.
Dr. Oloriegbe brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health from 2019 to 2023, where he played a key role in shaping Nigeria’s health legislation and policies. His tenure also included chairing the Joint National Assembly Committee on Health, demonstrating his leadership in the country’s healthcare sector.
The newly appointed NHIA chairman holds an impressive academic background, including a Master’s degree in Coaching and Consultation from the University of Oxford and HEC Paris, as well as a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
His professional credentials include membership in several prestigious medical associations such as the Nigerian Medical Association, the International AIDS Society, and the Africa Health Leadership and Management Network.
The appointment comes as part of President Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s health insurance system and expand access to quality healthcare nationwide. Dr. Oloriegbe’s extensive experience in both medical practice and health policy formulation positions him well to lead the NHIA in its mandate to implement Nigeria’s national health insurance scheme.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed the appointment in an official statement released on March 30, 2025, noting that Dr. Oloriegbe’s selection reflects the administration’s commitment to putting experienced professionals at the helm of critical health institutions. The NHIA plays a crucial role in the government’s plans to achieve universal health coverage, making this appointment particularly significant for Nigeria’s healthcare transformation agenda.
Dr. Oloriegbe’s background as both a medical practitioner and legislator gives him unique insights into the challenges facing Nigeria’s health sector, and his leadership is expected to drive innovation in health insurance delivery across the country.
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