Nigeria has taken another major step toward a fully digital public service framework as the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to integrate digital identity into the national health system.
The agreement marks a significant milestone in the government’s plan to improve service delivery through technology. By linking national identity data with health insurance records, both agencies aim to create a unified, secure, and efficient system that simplifies verification, enhances transparency, and expands healthcare access for millions of Nigerians.
Strengthening Collaboration and Access
Under the partnership, the NIMC will provide the infrastructure and expertise to ensure that every registered citizen’s National Identification Number (NIN) is integrated into the NHIA’s database. This linkage will make it easier for citizens to verify their eligibility for health services and help eliminate fraudulent claims within the insurance ecosystem.
The initiative also supports the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen digital inclusion and expand access to healthcare for underserved populations. With identity-linked health data, agencies will be able to reach more Nigerians in rural areas while improving efficiency and reducing paperwork for both providers and patients.
Driving Digital Transformation in Governance
The collaboration aligns with Nigeria’s broader digital transformation agenda, led by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. The government has continued to emphasize the importance of data-driven governance, interoperability between institutions, and the use of technology to improve transparency and service delivery.
By integrating digital identity into key sectors such as healthcare, education, and social protection, the government hopes to ensure that citizens can access public services using a single, verified identity. This approach not only boosts efficiency but also strengthens public trust in government systems.
Toward a More Efficient Health System
For the NHIA, the integration of national identity represents a major step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria. Accurate, real-time identity verification will help streamline patient enrollment, reduce duplication of records, and ensure that public funds are directed to genuine beneficiaries.
NIMC’s Director-General described the MoU as a vital move in Nigeria’s digital inclusion journey, highlighting how identity management can serve as a foundation for innovation and smarter governance.
As both agencies move to implement the agreement, the partnership is expected to set a precedent for future collaborations across government institutions — paving the way for a more connected, transparent, and digitally empowered Nigeria.
