NiCare, CHAI Convene Informal Sector Strategy Validation Workshop to Expand Health Insurance Coverage
The Niger State Contributory Health Agency -NiCare, in collaboration with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), has concluded a three-day Informal Sector Strategy Validation Workshop in Minna, aimed at expanding health insurance coverage for informal workers and vulnerable populations.
The workshop, held from May 29 to 31, 2025, at Haske Luxury Hotel, Minna, was a key activity under the project titled “Expanding Health Insurance to Improve Sexual and Reproductive Health Outcomes”, funded by Global Affairs Canada.
Declaring the event open, the Executive Secretary, NiCare, Sulayman Abu-bakr, represented by the Director of Operations, Pharm. Attahiru Shehu Malagi, welcomed participants and emphasized the significance of their contributions. He noted that every participant had been carefully selected for their expertise and experience, and encouraged them to engage actively throughout the sessions.
“You were not chosen by chance,” he remarked. “Your insight and experience are critical. I encourage you to share your wisdom and help validate a plan that will expand coverage for more lives in our communities.”
One of the highlights of the workshop was a presentation by a CHAI representative, who shared key findings from recent community-level assessments across Niger State. The presentation provided valuable insights into the level of awareness and understanding of health insurance among residents, especially in rural and underserved areas. These findings are expected to guide the refinement of the demand generation strategy targeting the informal sector.
In outlining the objectives of the workshop, Head Informal Sector, NiCare, Habibah Umar explained that the event was designed to summarize existing health insurance programs and initiatives in the state, share insights from the Informal Sector Study to understand the drivers of health insurance uptake, and present results from modeling analyses focused on expanding coverage for vulnerable groups. The workshop also sought to validate the draft informal sector strategy and jointly develop an advocacy plan to support innovative financing mechanisms for expanded health coverage.
She further noted that the expected outcomes of the workshop include the validation of a robust demand generation and marketing strategy tailored to the informal sector, the development of a clear and actionable implementation roadmap with specific timelines and responsibilities, and the formulation of a comprehensive advocacy plan to promote sustainable and inclusive health insurance expansion.
Throughout the three-day meeting, participants engaged in strategic discussions, breakout sessions, and validation exercises. These collaborative efforts are expected to culminate in a refined, inclusive action plan that will drive increased health insurance enrollment and ensure greater health access for all. The workshop reflects NiCare’s strong commitment to achieving universal health coverage and promoting equitable healthcare access, particularly for underserved and vulnerable populations.
