Mr. Sidney Sampson, Group Managing Partner of Sydani Group, has stressed that achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria depends largely on state governments taking greater responsibility for primary healthcare and health insurance.
According to him, one of the most critical steps is the integration of the informal sector into health financing systems. He explained that while the Federal Government serves a coordinating role, real progress will come from the states, which own and manage the majority of health facilities.
Sampson spoke against the backdrop of the recent National Health Financing Dialogue in Abuja, which brought together policymakers and stakeholders to chart a new course for sustainable health financing in the country.
He warned that unless states strengthen their efforts in health insurance enrolment, progress toward UHC would remain slow.
“How do we get states to start investing more in insurance? Many already have health insurance authorities and agencies, but the real challenge is bringing the informal sector into health financing. Government alone cannot carry the entire burden,” he said.
Despite the informal sector’s huge contribution to Nigeria’s economy, Sampson noted that little has been done to integrate its workers into health coverage. He also highlighted the need for greater accountability, insisting that increased funding must be matched with transparency and effective use of resources.
“Allocation alone is not enough. If you budget 15 or 20 per cent for health, how much of it is released, disbursed, and actually gets to the right places? Accountability and transparency are key,” he added.
Referencing the 2001 Abuja Declaration—which recommended allocating 15 per cent of national budgets to health—Sampson pointed out that some states have achieved this benchmark. However, he stressed that the priority should be expanding fiscal space and ensuring proper utilisation of funds.
He also observed that low public demand for health services undermines political prioritisation, as citizens often push for infrastructure like roads rather than health or education.
“Politicians respond to what people demand. We must begin to educate the electorate to demand better health services and broader coverage. When supply and demand pressures align, progress will follow,” Sampson explained.
He further emphasised the importance of evidence-based advocacy, noting that investments in health should be supported with data and economic models that demonstrate long-term benefits.
“From the outside, health spending may look like a black hole. But with the right modelling, we can show that investing in health today prevents massive economic losses tomorrow,” he said.
Sydani Group is an organisation focused on strengthening health systems, as well as driving improvements in agriculture, education, and socio-economic development.