HEALTHCARE AS ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE

Kelechi Ohiri, the Director-General of Nigeria's National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), advocates for a paradigm shift in how healthcare is perceived, viewing it not merely as a social service but as crucial economic infrastructure. Ohiri, a prominent health reformer, argues that Nigeria's most valuable asset is its human capital. He believes that healthy populations are more productive, leading to stronger businesses and ultimately, greater national wealth.

During a fireside conversation at the BusinessDay CEO Forum, Ohiri stated, "We don't make enough reference to Nigeria’s greatest resource, which is human capital." This philosophy underpins his approach to universal health coverage, which he frames as a national competitiveness strategy rather than just a social obligation. His conviction led him to return to Nigeria in 2023 to spearhead reforms at the NHIA, an institution often considered one of the country's most challenging public sector assignments.

Ohiri's career trajectory showcases a deep commitment to systemic reform. A medical doctor trained at the University of Lagos, he furthered his education at Harvard University, earning degrees in Public Health and Health Policy and Management. He gained extensive experience at McKinsey & Company, advising governments across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and later at the World Bank, focusing on health financing and social protection. He also served as Chief Strategy, Policy, and Innovation Officer at Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Despite these international platforms, Ohiri chose to apply his expertise to public sector reform in his home country, consistent with his lifelong focus on systems rather than isolated programs.

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We don’t make enough reference to Nigeria’s greatest resource, which is human capital.