President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe as Chairman of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) for an initial term of four years, effective March 11, 2025. The announcement was made in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday.

Onanuga, in the statement, described Oloriegbe as a former Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District at the 9th National Assembly, where he chaired the Senate Committee on Health and the Joint National Assembly Committee on Health from 2019 to 2023. The appointee holds a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and a Master’s degree in Coaching and Consultation from the University of Oxford, UK, and HEC Paris.

The Special Adviser noted that Oloriegbe is a member of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN), Nigeria Veneral Disease Association, Guild of Medical Directors of Nigeria, International Aids Society (IAS), and the Africa Health Leadership and Management Network.

Onanuga emphasized that the former lawmaker’s expertise in health policy and governance aligns with the administration’s commitment to advancing universal healthcare coverage. “Dr. Oloriegbe’s extensive experience in legislative health oversight and his technical knowledge will be pivotal in steering the NHIA toward achieving its mandate,” the statement read.

The Special Adviser added that the appointment underscores President Tinubu’s focus on leveraging seasoned professionals to address critical challenges in Nigeria’s health sector. Onanuga reaffirmed the government’s dedication to improving healthcare access and affordability for all citizens through strategic leadership appointments.

The statement concluded with the President’s Office reiterating March 30, 2025, as the official release date of the announcement.