In a landmark move toward digital inclusion and data-driven governance, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to integrate digital identity into Nigeria’s national health system.
The agreement represents a major milestone in the Federal Government’s vision to build a connected, efficient, and citizen-centered public service ecosystem, ensuring that every Nigerian can access healthcare and social services seamlessly through a unified digital identity.
Linking National Identity with Health Insurance Records
Under the new partnership, NIMC and NHIA will collaborate to link citizens’ National Identification Numbers (NIN) with their health insurance records.
This unified framework will make it easier to verify identities, manage patient data, and streamline the delivery of health services nationwide.
The integration aims to:
- Eliminate duplication and fraud in health insurance systems
- Improve verification and authentication for citizens accessing healthcare
- Enhance transparency and efficiency across health institutions
- Expand healthcare access to underserved and vulnerable populations
Through the use of digital identity, the government seeks to ensure that citizens receive services tailored to their verified profiles while minimizing administrative bottlenecks.
Driving Digital Transformation and Inter-Agency Collaboration
The MoU also underscores NIMC’s ongoing role in advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
By creating interoperability between national databases, the Commission is enabling agencies to work more cohesively, reducing data silos and boosting institutional efficiency.
This collaboration with NHIA demonstrates how digital identity can serve as a foundation for governance, connecting key sectors like health, education, and social protection under a unified digital framework.
It also supports the Federal Government’s Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), which emphasizes the integration of technology into public service delivery for sustainable national development.
Building a Digitally Inclusive Nigeria
The integration of digital identity into the health system is expected to bring tangible benefits to millions of Nigerians, especially in rural and underserved areas.
With more reliable data sharing between NIMC and NHIA, citizens will experience faster enrollment processes, improved access to healthcare, and reduced barriers to health insurance coverage.
NIMC reaffirmed its commitment to using technology as a bridge for inclusive growth, ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of location or background, can participate in the country’s evolving digital ecosystem.
Conclusion
The signing of the MoU between NIMC and NHIA marks a decisive step toward a more integrated, transparent, and efficient public health system in Nigeria.
By embedding digital identity into healthcare infrastructure, Nigeria is strengthening its foundation for smart governance, digital inclusion, and sustainable development.
