NIDO Europe Targets 5 Million Nigerians For Health Insurance In 5 Years, Calls For Global Diaspora Support

 

A COMMUNIQUE ARISING FROM THE WORKSHOP ORGANIZED BY NIGERIANS IN DIASPORA ORGANIZATION EUROPE, AUSTRIA CHAPTER (NIDOE AUSTRIA).

Preamble

Nigeria is a signatory to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with Universal Health Coverage (UHC) central to SDG 3.8. The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) is tasked with implementing UHC in Nigeria. Despite NHIA’s efforts, coverage remains unacceptably low.

Over 63% of Nigerians experience multidimensional poverty, undermining the capacity to pay health insurance premiums. Government health expenditure has been inadequate, creating a substantial funding gap that limits access to effective, efficient, and quality healthcare across income levels. Diaspora support is envisioned to help reduce this gap, with a target to provide coverage for about 5 million Nigerians within the next five years.

Various groups, philanthropists, and well-meaning Nigerians are already supporting coverage for the poorest and most vulnerable to ensure no one is left behind. A member of the committee in person of Barr. Aisha Osigwe demonstrates support by pledging to enrol all children and staff of her orphanage into the NHIA scheme.
To create a platform for member sensitization, advocacy, wider NIDOE leadership input, and consensus-building for support generation, NIDOE Austria convened a one-day hybrid workshop on 20 June 2026, themed: Diaspora Supporting Health Insurance for Nigerians towards the Attainment of Universal Health Coverage.

The NHIA annual health insurance premium is N38,738.00 (thirty-eight thousand seven hundred and thirty-eight naira). Adding a 3.3% administrative fee per enrolment of N1 278.00 (thousand two hundred and seventy-eight naira), this brings the total registration fee for one enrolee to N40 000.00 (forty thousand naira) per year.

The workshop participants, which included NIDOE members from across Europe, expressed satisfaction with the NIDOE initiative. Following presentations and extensive deliberations, participants resolved that:
Resolutions

1. Members enrol their families, friends, employees, dependents, and vulnerable persons in their communities in NHIA programmes.

2. Nigerians at home and abroad serve as ambassadors of the NHIA to drive nationwide adoption.

3. Together, we can secure affordable healthcare for our loved ones and protect them from the devastating financial impact of medical emergencies.

NIDO Europe Targets 5 Million Nigerians For Health Insurance In 5 Years, Calls For Global Diaspora Support

The Nigerian Diaspora Organization, NIDO Europe, is mobilizing Nigerians across Europe and around the world to support an ambitious health insurance initiative targeting five million Nigerians within five years.

The initiative is being championed by the NIDO Europe Austria Chapter under the umbrella of the continental organization. It seeks to provide affordable health insurance coverage for Nigerians who may otherwise be unable to access essential medical services because of financial limitations.

At the forefront of the continental mobilization is Councilor Harold Ogunfemi, Continental Chairman of NIDO Europe. He believes Nigerians living abroad have an important responsibility to contribute to the development and wellbeing of their homeland.

Speaking on the initiative, Councilor Ogunfemi described the health insurance project as a significant opportunity for Nigerians in the diaspora to move beyond occasional financial assistance and become active partners in building a more sustainable healthcare support system for Nigeria.

He explained that NIDO is a global network of Nigerians living and working across different regions, including Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas.

The organization was established to harness the skills, professional expertise, intellectual resources, wealth, and experiences of Nigerians abroad and channel these resources towards national development.

According to him, the vision behind NIDO is rooted in the understanding that Nigerians living outside the country still have a responsibility towards their homeland and the people who remain there.

NIDO Europe has consistently undertaken development initiatives in Nigeria, including the provision of boreholes, medical outreaches, and other healthcare interventions in different communities.

However, after assessing the limitations of occasional medical outreaches, the organization recognized the need for a broader and more sustainable intervention.

While medical outreaches provide immediate assistance, Ogunfemi explained that millions of Nigerians still lack continuous access to healthcare because they cannot afford medical treatment when illness occurs.

This realization informed the decision to embrace the National Health Insurance Authority, NHIA, framework and support the expansion of health insurance coverage across Nigeria.

Rather than limiting its intervention to temporary medical assistance, NIDO Europe wants to help create a system through which vulnerable Nigerians can access healthcare throughout their coverage period without having to shoulder the entire financial burden themselves.

A Vision For Healthcare Access For Every Nigerian

For Councilor Ogunfemi, the ultimate vision is to ensure that as many Nigerians as possible, particularly those in vulnerable communities, have access to health insurance at either the basic or higher coverage levels.

Drawing from his experience living in the United Kingdom and interacting with healthcare systems across Europe, he noted that many countries have established structured health insurance arrangements that allow residents to access medical services without having to pay the full cost of treatment at the point of care.

He believes Nigeria can make significant progress towards achieving a similar level of healthcare accessibility.

He expressed concern that many Nigerians, particularly those in rural communities, still struggle to access quality medical services because of financial difficulties.

According to him, the initiative is designed to change this situation by ensuring that people can visit approved healthcare facilities when they fall ill instead of resorting to self-medication or delaying treatment because they cannot afford hospital bills.

He further explained that the programme would also complement government efforts by allowing Nigerians in the diaspora and financially capable individuals at home to contribute towards healthcare coverage for people who cannot afford it themselves.

In his view, this shared responsibility would help reduce some of the financial pressure on government while expanding access to healthcare across the country.

NIDO Europe To Coordinate Continental Chapters In Major Healthcare Mobilization

Although the project originated from efforts within the NIDO Europe Austria Chapter, it has been adopted as a continental project requiring the participation of all NIDO Europe chapters.

Discussions around the initiative gained momentum during the organization’s annual diaspora engagement activities in Nigeria, where members and stakeholders explored ways to expand the impact of diaspora-led development projects.

Following consultations involving key NIDO Europe leaders and the Austrian Chapter, the continental leadership agreed that Austria should champion the initiative while receiving the full support and coordination of the wider organization.

A project of this magnitude would require more than the efforts of one chapter.

Consequently, NIDO Europe has established a dedicated structure, referred to as the NIDO Europe Health Insurance Foundation in Nigeria, to coordinate activities and facilitate collaboration with chapters across the continent.

Through this arrangement, NIDO Europe intends to work with its chapters in the United Kingdom, Austria, Switzerland, France, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Ireland, and other European countries.

Each chapter will be encouraged to establish committees responsible for creating awareness, mobilizing sponsors, coordinating enrolment, and encouraging participation within their respective countries.

Importantly, Councilor Ogunfemi stressed that the initiative is not exclusively for NIDO members.

Rather, every Nigerian living in Europe and elsewhere in the diaspora, regardless of membership or organizational affiliation, will be encouraged to participate.

The objective is to create a broad humanitarian movement that brings Nigerians together around a common purpose: ensuring that vulnerable people at home can access affordable healthcare.

Five Million Nigerians In Five Years: An Ambitious But Achievable Goal

One of the most significant targets of the initiative is the ambition to provide health insurance coverage for five million Nigerians within five years.

Councilor Ogunfemi expressed confidence that the target is achievable if Nigerians across different countries and professional backgrounds embrace the initiative.

He explained that the responsibility should not rest solely on NIDO Europe or any single diaspora organization.

Instead, Nigerians across Europe, North America, Africa, Asia, and other regions should work together to make the target a reality.

He also highlighted the potential advantage of foreign exchange for Nigerians living abroad, explaining that contributions which may appear relatively modest in foreign currencies can make a substantial difference when converted into naira.

However, he acknowledged that achieving the target would require sustained mobilization, commitment, and collaboration across different diaspora communities.

He revealed that NIDO Europe has already begun engaging with its counterparts in other regions, including NIDO America, NIDO Africa, and NIDO Asia, to encourage wider participation.

For him, the ultimate objective is not about which organization contributes the most money or receives the greatest recognition.

What matters most is that the five-million target is achieved and vulnerable Nigerians receive the healthcare protection they deserve.

He emphasized that the initiative should be viewed as a collective Nigerian responsibility rather than a competition between diaspora organizations.

Mobilizing Nigerians Beyond NIDO Membership

To achieve widespread participation, NIDO Europe intends to deploy an extensive awareness and fundraising campaign across Nigerian communities throughout Europe.

Councilor Ogunfemi explained that the organization plans to publicize the initiative through Nigerian associations, churches, mosques, community groups, professional networks, alumni associations, social organizations, and other platforms where Nigerians gather.

The organization also intends to explore funding opportunities from charitable foundations, humanitarian institutions, and other organizations in Europe and beyond that support development and healthcare interventions.

He encouraged Nigerians to take personal responsibility for introducing the initiative to their immediate communities and encouraging others to participate.

Using his own example, he explained that someone who has three family members in Nigeria could decide to sponsor ten people instead of limiting the contribution to those three relatives.

The sponsor could cover the three family members and extend the remaining seven slots to vulnerable individuals, either by identifying them personally or allowing eligible beneficiaries to be selected through the programme’s arrangements.

He believes that if every participating Nigerian makes a commitment to sponsor five or ten people, the five-million target could become achievable much sooner than anticipated.

He particularly called on state associations, cultural groups, professional organizations, and Nigerian community associations across Europe to embrace the initiative.

According to him, the campaign should reach every available Nigerian platform, including newspapers, community events, social gatherings, and other communication channels.

His message is that everyone can contribute something, regardless of the size of their financial capacity.

Building Strategic Partnerships With Government And Private Institutions

Councilor Ogunfemi also highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships in expanding the initiative beyond diaspora contributions.

He disclosed that NIDO Europe is already engaging with the NHIA, which has representatives participating in discussions and providing guidance on the programme’s implementation.

These engagements are intended to ensure that the organization understands the requirements for beneficiary enrolment, the development of the registration portal, and the procedures necessary to connect sponsored individuals to the insurance scheme.

He further identified the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, as an important institutional partner that could support the initiative through its diaspora engagement structures.

He also expressed the organization’s intention to engage relevant government institutions, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other public agencies, to strengthen the programme’s reach.

Beyond government partnerships, he believes the private sector has an important role to play.

He called on Nigerian businesses, corporate organizations, philanthropists, entertainers, musicians, actors, and other influential individuals to consider sponsoring health insurance coverage for vulnerable Nigerians.

He suggested that wealthy individuals and successful public figures could make meaningful contributions by sponsoring dozens or even hundreds of beneficiaries.

He also encouraged Nigerian employers and business owners to consider sponsoring health insurance coverage for people in their workplaces or communities.

According to him, the initiative provides an opportunity for individuals and organizations to demonstrate their commitment to national development through a practical intervention that directly improves people’s lives.

Transparency And Accountability: Every Contribution Must Reach Its Intended Beneficiary

Recognizing that accountability is critical to public confidence, Councilor Ogunfemi gave a detailed explanation of the proposed financial management and monitoring arrangements for the initiative.

He explained that the organization has held extensive discussions with representatives of the NHIA and other relevant stakeholders to establish a transparent system for managing contributions and ensuring that beneficiaries are properly enrolled.

Under the proposed arrangement, sponsors will be able to identify the individuals they wish to cover and provide relevant information, including their names and telephone numbers.

For instance, an individual who contributes enough to sponsor ten beneficiaries will be able to provide the details of those ten people for registration and verification.

The organization intends to work with a designated bank and account management structure to oversee financial transactions.

It also plans to employ a dedicated staff member in Nigeria who will coordinate beneficiary information, match contributions with intended beneficiaries, and work with the NHIA to ensure that those sponsored are properly enrolled.

Once registration is completed, sponsors will receive relevant information confirming the enrolment of their beneficiaries, including their membership details and designated healthcare facilities, subject to the information made available by the NHIA.

This arrangement will allow sponsors to contact the individuals they have supported and confirm that they have received their health insurance information.

Councilor Ogunfemi was particularly emphatic that the initiative is a charitable project, not a commercial venture designed to generate profits for NIDO Europe members.

He explained that contributions are intended to cover the insurance costs and necessary administrative expenses, rather than provide financial benefits to members of the organization.

He also disclosed plans for regular financial reporting, quarterly statements, internal meetings, and annual auditing to ensure that every contribution is properly accounted for.

The organization intends to remain open to scrutiny by the NHIA, NIDCOM, and relevant auditing authorities.

For him, the message is clear: Nigerians must be able to see that the money they contribute is being used for its intended purpose and that the beneficiaries are genuinely receiving the healthcare coverage promised.

He strongly rejected any suggestion that the initiative could become an avenue for financial exploitation, stressing that the organization’s reputation and credibility depend on its ability to demonstrate transparency.

Ensuring Long-Term Sustainability Beyond Initial Donations

While the five-year target is an important milestone, Councilor Ogunfemi explained that the health insurance initiative is not designed to end after five years or once the initial target has been achieved.

Rather, he described it as a long-term commitment that should continue from one generation of NIDO Europe leadership to another.

He explained that health insurance coverage requires annual renewal, meaning that sponsors and beneficiaries must be reminded when existing policies are approaching their expiration dates.

The organization intends to work with the NHIA and use its digital systems to provide renewal reminders, ideally giving sponsors sufficient notice to make the necessary arrangements.

He explained that beneficiaries may be supported by their original sponsors, family members, parents, children, or other well-meaning individuals when renewal becomes due.

He also noted that new people become eligible for assistance as time passes.

For instance, someone who may not qualify for a particular category of assistance today could become eligible in the future as their circumstances change.

This, he argued, makes the programme an ongoing responsibility rather than a one-time fundraising exercise.

He expressed hope that future NIDO Europe administrations would sustain and expand the initiative, ensuring that the work already started is not abandoned when the current leadership’s tenure ends.

His vision is for the programme to become a lasting legacy of diaspora commitment to healthcare development in Nigeria.

Measuring Progress Through Reporting And Public Accountability

To ensure that the initiative produces measurable results, NIDO Europe plans to introduce reporting mechanisms that will allow members, sponsors, and the public to monitor its progress.

Councilor Ogunfemi explained that the organization intends to use its digital platform to provide information about the programme and its achievements.

He disclosed that different officers will be assigned responsibilities covering areas such as advertising and marketing, information technology, financial management, and general administration.

The organization also plans to hold quarterly internal meetings where progress, contributions, enrolment figures, and other activities will be reviewed.

An annual audit will be conducted to verify that individuals sponsored through the initiative have received their insurance coverage.

Furthermore, NIDO Europe intends to present its financial and operational reports at its Annual General Meeting, where members will have the opportunity to ask questions and examine the organization’s activities.

Councilor Ogunfemi stressed that the organization will remain accountable to its members, contributors, and relevant Nigerian institutions.

He also promised that the public would be regularly informed about the number of beneficiaries enrolled and the additional support required to expand coverage.

He believes that visible progress will encourage more Nigerians and organizations to participate.

For him, even the successful enrolment of a small number of beneficiaries is worth celebrating because every additional person covered represents a life that has gained access to healthcare protection.

He added that other organizations may eventually introduce similar programmes, and he would welcome such developments.

In his view, the more organizations that participate in providing healthcare coverage, the better for Nigeria.

A Personal Experience That Reinforced The Urgency Of Healthcare Access

Perhaps the most emotional part of Councilor Ogunfemi’s appeal came when he shared a personal experience from one of NIDO Europe’s medical outreach programmes in Abuja.

He recalled that while helping to direct members of the public towards the medical outreach location, a man approached him and explained that his wife was unwell at home.

Ogunfemi encouraged the man to return home and bring his wife so that she could receive medical attention.

Fortunately, the man returned with his wife, and the medical team proceeded to examine her.

What followed, he recalled, was deeply concerning.

The woman’s blood pressure was dangerously high and fluctuating, raising serious concerns about her health.

The woman and her husband had apparently misunderstood her condition, attributing her illness to spiritual or supernatural causes rather than recognizing the need for medical attention.

Following the examination, she received medication and was encouraged to return for a follow-up assessment the next day.

When she returned, her blood pressure had reduced compared with the previous day’s reading.

The team continued to monitor her progress, and the experience left a lasting impression on Ogunfemi.

He explained that the encounter reinforced his belief that many Nigerians are suffering from medical conditions that could be identified and treated if they had timely access to proper healthcare.

For him, the challenge is not limited to people who cannot afford expensive surgeries or specialized treatment. Even conditions such as high blood pressure and other common illnesses can become life-threatening when people lack access to medical assessment and appropriate treatment.

He expressed concern about the number of Nigerians who resort to self-medication or delay seeking medical attention because they cannot afford hospital bills.

He believes that expanding health insurance coverage could help address some of these challenges by encouraging people to seek professional medical attention when they need it.

He also expressed hope that improved healthcare funding and access would strengthen medical facilities and encourage more Nigerian doctors and nurses, including those living abroad, to volunteer their expertise and support healthcare institutions in Nigeria.

A Passionate Appeal: Let Humanity Rise Above Tribe, Religion And Culture

In a heartfelt message to Nigerians across the world, Councilor Ogunfemi appealed to individuals, businesses, philanthropists, religious organizations, and community leaders to support the initiative.

He stressed that illness and medical emergencies do not discriminate based on tribe, religion, culture, or social background.

According to him, Nigerians must recognize their shared humanity and work together to protect vulnerable members of society.

He called on people to look beyond ethnic and religious differences and focus on the common responsibility of ensuring that Nigerians have access to essential healthcare.

His appeal was particularly directed at people who have the financial capacity to sponsor one or more beneficiaries.

He encouraged individuals to make healthcare sponsorship part of their annual charitable contributions, explaining that even covering one person’s insurance can make a meaningful difference.

He also expressed concern about preventable deaths among mothers and children, arguing that improved access to healthcare could help reduce the number of families who lose loved ones because of delayed or inaccessible medical treatment.

He urged Nigerians to see their contributions not simply as donations but as investments in human life and dignity.

In his words, those who give from their hearts are participating in a worthy humanitarian cause, and he expressed confidence that God would bless everyone who supports the initiative.

A Special Message To NIDO Europe Members: Take The Initiative Beyond Your Chapters

Addressing members of NIDO Europe directly, Councilor Ogunfemi began by acknowledging their longstanding contributions to Nigeria and the organization’s various humanitarian activities.

He expressed gratitude to members who have supported development projects through financial contributions, prayers, professional expertise, voluntary services, and the activities of their respective non-governmental organizations.

However, he challenged members to take their commitment one step further by embracing the health insurance initiative.

He appealed to every NIDO Europe chapter and individual member to participate, regardless of their country of residence or financial capacity.

He reiterated that the proposed annual contribution per beneficiary was approximately N18,000 to N18,500, subject to the applicable insurance arrangement, describing it as an amount that could make a significant difference without placing an excessive burden on individual sponsors.

He particularly called on members of NIDO Europe to support the initiative and encouraged collaboration with NIDO America and other diaspora organizations.

Councilor Ogunfemi also acknowledged the efforts of the committee working behind the scenes to bring the project to fruition.

He identified Dr. Samuel Okoli from Austria, Dr. Ayodele Adeshina from Austria, himself, Councilor Harold Ogunfemi from United Kingdom, Barrister Tina Ohaa from Ireland, Barrister Aisha Osigwe from United Kingdom, Honorable Enny Wemimo from Russia, Councilor Taslim Gbajabiamila from United Kingdom, Ambassador Olawale Maiyegun, Former Ambassador of Nigeria in Austria, Honorable Adebola Shakinah from Ireland, Honorable Onyeji from Austria, Honorable Dr Oharjiriogu Chukwuma from Austria alongside other members, as part of the wider team contributing to the initiative.

He encouraged members to support the work of the committee and remain committed to the shared objective of improving healthcare access in Nigeria.

For those who do not have family members in Nigeria to sponsor, he suggested that they could simply contribute towards covering five or ten vulnerable individuals.

His closing message to NIDO Europe members was a call for unity, collective responsibility, and a renewed commitment to making a difference in the lives of Nigerians.

He expressed hope that when members look back on their contributions in the future, they would be proud to know that they played a part in protecting lives and improving healthcare access in their homeland.

Dr Samuel Okoli: Health Insurance Is For Every Nigerian

Leading the advocacy on the ground is Dr. Samuel Okoli, Chairman of the NIDO Europe Austria Chapter and one of the key advocates of the initiative.

According to him, the project represents an opportunity for Nigerians in the diaspora to contribute meaningfully to improving healthcare access in their homeland while helping to protect vulnerable citizens from the devastating financial consequences of illness.

Speaking on the initiative, Dr. Samuel Okoli explained that health insurance is an important mechanism for reducing the burden of out-of-pocket medical expenses and ensuring that individuals can access necessary healthcare without being pushed into financial hardship.

He noted that Nigeria has committed itself to achieving Universal Health Coverage, a global development objective supported by the United Nations, with the NHIA serving as a major institution responsible for advancing this goal in the country.

Improving health is critical to human welfare and essential to sustainable economic and social development, he emphasized, adding that the initiative is particularly important for people in rural communities and vulnerable Nigerians who otherwise struggle to afford medical attention.

One of the major misconceptions surrounding health insurance in Nigeria, Dr. Okoli observed, is the belief that it is exclusively designed for civil servants and government employees.

He was quick to clarify that the National Health Insurance Scheme is accessible to every Nigerian, regardless of employment status or social standing.

According to him, the objective of the NIDO Europe initiative is to encourage Nigerians living abroad to support the expansion of health insurance coverage by sponsoring individuals who cannot afford the cost themselves.

He stressed that the programme is not restricted to vulnerable populations, even though they remain its primary beneficiaries. Rather, every Nigerian can participate in the scheme, while diaspora sponsorship provides an additional opportunity to extend coverage to those who need financial assistance the most.

What Does The Insurance Cover?

Addressing concerns about the healthcare services available to beneficiaries, Dr. Okoli explained that the insurance scheme covers most standard medical necessities, including treatment for common illnesses and necessary surgical procedures.

He noted that although the coverage is broad, certain services are excluded. One example he highlighted is treatment sought outside Nigeria.

He encouraged prospective subscribers and sponsors to understand the scope of coverage and the applicable conditions before enrolling beneficiaries.

Affordable Coverage At N40,000 Annually

A major highlight of the initiative is its proposed annual enrolment cost of N40,000 per person, an amount Dr. Okoli described as relatively affordable when compared with the financial burden Nigerians often face when paying for medical treatment directly.

However, he clarified that the insurance does not mean beneficiaries will receive completely free healthcare.

Under the arrangement he described, the scheme covers approximately 90 per cent of eligible healthcare costs, while beneficiaries are responsible for the remaining 10 per cent.

He explained that although this contribution is necessary, it represents a significant reduction in the financial burden patients would otherwise carry when confronted with unexpected medical emergencies or expensive treatment.

For families that frequently struggle to meet healthcare expenses, such coverage could provide an important financial safety net.

How Nigerians In The Diaspora Can Sponsor Beneficiaries

Dr. Okoli explained that participation in the initiative has been designed to make it convenient for Nigerians living abroad to sponsor loved ones and other individuals in need.

Through the NIDO Europe digital platform, interested individuals will be able to register, select the beneficiaries they wish to cover, and make the required payments.

Sponsors can enrol their parents, relatives, friends, and other individuals. They can also extend their support to people who are not personally known to them but are unable to afford health insurance.

He explained that the registration platform will provide an organised channel through which contributions can be made and beneficiaries enrolled under the initiative.

The organisation also intends to publicise the registration link through its various communication channels and media platforms, ensuring that Nigerians across Europe and other parts of the world can access the opportunity.

Dr. Okoli emphasised that the use of the NIDO Europe platform is particularly important because it will provide an organised structure for monitoring the initiative and ensuring that the programme operates under appropriate oversight.

Accessing Hospitals And Healthcare Facilities

For Nigerians concerned about how beneficiaries, particularly those in rural and underserved communities, will access medical services, Dr. Okoli explained that subscribers will be provided with a list of approved primary healthcare providers.

The initiative is intended to cover healthcare providers across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Beneficiaries will be able to select a primary healthcare provider from the approved list, preferably one located close to their residence, making access to medical attention more convenient.

This arrangement, he explained, is intended to ensure that beneficiaries do not have to travel unnecessarily long distances to receive healthcare services.

Two Approaches To Identifying Beneficiaries

An important aspect of the initiative is the process of identifying individuals who will benefit from diaspora-sponsored health insurance.

Dr. Okoli explained that the programme will operate through two beneficiary selection approaches: specific adoption and non-specific adoption.

Under the specific adoption arrangement, sponsors will personally identify the individuals they wish to cover and provide relevant information, including their names, addresses, and telephone numbers.

This means that a Nigerian living abroad can directly sponsor a parent, relative, friend, or another identified individual in Nigeria.

The second approach, known as non-specific adoption, is designed for individuals who wish to contribute financially without identifying particular beneficiaries.

In this arrangement, donors can contribute funds and establish the criteria for the type of beneficiaries they wish to support, while the NHIA will be responsible for selecting eligible individuals in line with the agreed criteria.

According to Dr. Okoli, both approaches are intended to ensure that assistance reaches people who genuinely need it.

Transparency And Accountability At The Heart Of The Initiative

Recognising that public confidence is essential to the success of any humanitarian and development programme, Dr. Okoli said that transparency and accountability would be central to the implementation of the initiative.

He disclosed plans to establish a joint governance and transparency oversight structure involving NIDO and the NHIA.

The programme will also utilise a digital contribution and registration platform through which sponsors will be able to view registered beneficiaries and verify relevant information.

In addition, the initiative plans to introduce annual impact reports and auditing processes to provide accountability for contributions received and the services delivered.

These measures, he explained, are intended to give contributors confidence that their financial support is being properly managed and that the individuals enrolled are receiving the intended benefits.

The digital platform will also provide an opportunity for sponsors to monitor beneficiary enrolment and follow developments within the programme.

For Dr. Okoli, accountability is not simply about receiving contributions; it is about ensuring that the promises made to Nigerians are translated into tangible results.

Tackling Awareness And Building Public Confidence

While expressing optimism about the initiative, Dr. Okoli acknowledged that one of the biggest challenges facing its implementation is the lack of awareness about health insurance among Nigerians.

He observed that many people still associate health insurance primarily with government workers and civil servants, without realising that the scheme is accessible to the wider Nigerian population.

He also acknowledged that convincing Nigerians to embrace a new initiative can sometimes be difficult because of concerns arising from previous experiences with unfulfilled public promises.

However, he maintained that the health insurance programme is a real and existing arrangement, not merely another promise.

He pointed out that civil servants, employees in corporate organisations, and members of the defence community are already benefiting from health insurance arrangements in Nigeria.

According to him, the responsibility now is to extend awareness and encourage more Nigerians to take advantage of the opportunity.

Through NIDO chapters and diaspora communication networks across Europe, the organisation hopes to intensify its sensitisation campaigns, educate Nigerians about the programme, and build the confidence required for widespread participation.

He particularly believes that Nigerians in Europe, many of whom are familiar with structured health insurance systems in their countries of residence, can better appreciate the importance of introducing and expanding similar healthcare protection mechanisms in Nigeria.

A Call To Nigerians In The Diaspora: Let Remittances Create Lasting Healthcare Impact

In what could be described as the central message of the interview, Dr. Okoli appealed to Nigerians in the diaspora to become active partners in improving healthcare access in their homeland.

He noted that Nigerians abroad send billions of naira home through remittances every year, often supporting relatives with daily living expenses, education, and emergency medical bills.

However, he believes that these financial contributions could have an even greater and more sustainable impact if more diaspora Nigerians channelled part of their support into structured health insurance coverage.

Rather than waiting until a loved one falls ill before raising emergency medical funds, he encouraged Nigerians abroad to consider sponsoring annual health insurance coverage for relatives and vulnerable individuals.

He explained that such an approach would help transform irregular, emergency-driven medical assistance into a more structured system of healthcare support.

Beyond helping individual families, he believes the initiative could contribute to preventive healthcare, improved access to treatment, and broader protection for Nigerians who would otherwise be excluded from affordable medical services.

His appeal was particularly directed at Nigerians who have the financial capacity to support more than one beneficiary, encouraging them to consider extending coverage to people outside their immediate families.

A Shared Responsibility For A Healthier Nigeria

For Dr. Samuel Okoli, the NIDO Europe health insurance initiative is more than an organisational project. It is a personal commitment to helping more Nigerians access primary healthcare and reducing the financial hardship associated with illness.

As Chairman of the NIDO Europe Austria Chapter, he described the initiative as one of his major priorities and expressed hope that the programme would soon produce measurable results that could be reported back to Nigerians both at home and abroad.

He thanked the organisers for providing him with the opportunity to explain the initiative and appealed to Nigerians to embrace the programme, support its objectives, and become part of a collective effort to improve healthcare delivery.

Ultimately, the message behind the initiative is simple: healthcare should not become a luxury reserved for those who can afford it.

With the involvement of the diaspora, the institutional support of the NHIA, and a commitment to transparency and accountability, NIDO Europe hopes to build a stronger bridge between Nigerians abroad and vulnerable communities at home.

For millions of Nigerians who struggle to afford medical care, that bridge could represent something invaluable: the opportunity to receive treatment when they need it most, without facing the full weight of the financial burden alone.

About The Interviewees

Councilor Harold Ogunfemi is the Continental Chairman of the Nigerian Diaspora Organization, NIDO, Europe. He is an entrepreneur and serves as a local parish councilor for the Isle of Grain Parish within Medway Council in the United Kingdom. He is actively involved in diaspora engagement, community development, and initiatives aimed at strengthening the contribution of Nigerians abroad to national development in Nigeria.

Dr. Samuel Okoli is the current Chairman of the Nigerian Diaspora Organization, NIDO, Europe Austria Chapter and a key advocate of the NIDO Europe health insurance initiative, which seeks to mobilise diaspora support for expanded access to affordable healthcare in Nigeria.