Strong Turnout for Free Health Insurance in Nasarawa Amid NIN Hurdle

By Mariam Ekom

The 2026 registration for the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) began across Nasarawa State this week, with health facilities reporting a strong public response despite a significant barrier: the cost of obtaining a National Identification Number (NIN).

The exercise, which targets vulnerable groups including the elderly, pregnant women, persons with disabilities, and children under five, is taking place at all BHCPF accredited facilities across the state's 13 Local Government Areas.

Stakeholders monitoring the process at facilities such as the Primary Health Care centre in Jigwada, Keffi, noted impressive initial turnout following intensive community sensitization. However, they reported that the associated cost of securing a NIN approximately ₦1,500 has prevented many from completing enrollment.

Ibrahim Umar, Ward Development Committee Chairman for the PHC Jigwada facility, said mobilisation efforts through mosques and house-to-house campaigns had been successful.

"The turnout was impressive, but many people could not complete their registration because they either do not have NIN or could not afford it," he stated.

This sentiment was echoed by the Officer in Charge of PHC Jigwada, Lami Ibrahim Akusu, who confirmed that the NIN requirement has impacted enrollment numbers compared to previous, completely free exercises.

"Previously, enrollment figures used to be very high. Now, the cost of obtaining NIN has discouraged many individuals and even families," Akusu explained.

To ease the process, both NIN registration and BHCPF enrollment are being conducted within the health facility. The centre has also intensified outreach through churches, mosques, and door-to-door campaigns to encourage residents to secure their NIN and access the free health insurance.

One enrollee, Jibrin Adamu, thanked the Federal Government for the initiative while urging others to overcome the financial hurdle.

"I encourage those who left because they do not have NIN to make efforts to obtain it. The benefits of the programme far outweigh the ₦1,500 being charged," Adamu said.

The Nasarawa State Health Insurance Agency (NASHIA) reaffirmed its commitment to enrolling eligible residents, particularly vulnerable populations, and urged continued community support for sensitisation efforts to ensure broader coverage.

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