Research paper- NHIA Act -PHSS Edited

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act of 2022 was enacted to transform Nigeria’s health financing architecture and achieve universal health coverage (UHC) through mandatory health insurance for all citizens. The Act replaced the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and requires each state to establish its own Social Health Insurance Agency. This study assesses the progress of NHIA Act implementation two years after its passage. It uses a descriptive review of secondary data from federal and state sources, the World Bank, national media reports, and peer-reviewed studies. The findings reveal uneven implementation across states, with Delta and Lagos demonstrating effective models through locally funded health schemes and strong administrative structures. However, challenges persist, including weak governance, low public awareness, and continued high out-of-pocket spending still about 70 % of current health expenditure. The study highlights that full realization of the NHIA Act’s potential requires strong political commitment, improved coordination, sustainable financing, and effective monitoring mechanisms to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all Nigerians.