Niger State Contributory Health Agency (Nicare) Recognized Among Nigeria’s Top Five Health Insurance Agencies.
Nicare has been selected by The Guardian newspaper as one of the Top Five Performing Health Insurance Agencies in Nigeria, in recognition of its outstanding progress in expanding healthcare coverage across Niger State.
Since May 2023, enrollment into the state’s contributory health insurance scheme has grown by more than 67 percent, rising from 56,000 to 145,651 by August 2025. Coverage for vulnerable persons also increased significantly, moving from 2,830 in 2023 to 10,001 in 2025.
Leadership has played a crucial role in driving this growth. Governor Umaru Bago, the Deputy Governor, the Secretary to the State Government, and the Head of Service all enrolled in the scheme—a symbolic act that built public confidence.
Tailored programmes such as the Retiree Medical Insurance Package (RMIP) and the Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP) have further broadened access.
In partnership with UNICEF, GAVI, and CHAI, more than 34,600 women and children have been enrolled, resulting in a sharp rise in maternal and child health service use from 15.6 percent to 36.3 percent.
The Governor continues to match words with action in repositioning Niger State as one of the leading force in Nigeria’s health sector.
