Abuja, Nigeria – Addressing the closing session of the fifth legislative summit in Abuja on Friday, Nigerian Senator, Ipalibo Banigo, said the summit has grown to become one of Africa’s largest gatherings of health sector legislators since inception in 2017.
Banigo, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and chair of the Legislative Network for Universal Health Coverage (LNU), was speaking at the end of the fifth summit on health, themed “Improving Legislative Stewardship and Accountability for Universal Health Coverage (UHC).”
She underscored the need to prioritize improved healthcare for vulnerable populations.
She praised legislative efforts that have led to the establishment of contributory health insurance schemes, legal frameworks at the sub national level, and the mandate for national health insurance.
She explained the pivotal role legislators play in shaping health insurance policies.
“They are instrumental in mandating the inclusion of vulnerable groups, advocating for subsidized premiums, and expanding coverage in underserved areas,” she said.
She also pointed out the importance of public outreach and community programmes in shifting public opinion and dispelling myths about health insurance.
The Senator highlighted the legislative agenda of the 10th National Assembly, saying it focuses on enabling laws, resource mobilization, accountability, and knowledge translation.
She stressed the need for enhanced oversight functions by Senators to ensure effective implementation of health sector legislation.
She called on fellow Senators to harness their legislative powers to enhance health insurance coverage for vulnerable groups, ensuring that the healthcare system evolves to address the needs of all Nigerians.
