The (NHIA) has invited qualified consultants, research institutions, and development partners to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the conduct of various research projects aimed at scaling up health insurance coverage in Nigeria. The invitation was issued by the NHIA Procurement Department at its Corporate Headquarters in Abuja in line with its 2025 budget and the provisions of the Public Procurement Act 2007.
According to the Authority, the EOI is part of its statutory mandate as the regulatory and implementing agency for health insurance in Nigeria, with the objective of generating research evidence that will guide policies and interventions to strengthen coverage nationwide.
Background
Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is identified as a global health priority under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG target 3.8 focuses on ensuring financial risk protection and access to quality essential healthcare services for all. The NHIA noted that health financing is central to achieving UHC, as it determines the availability of funds for health services while protecting citizens from financial hardship.
The Authority explained that Nigeria’s healthcare system continues to face challenges linked to inadequate investment and financing. These challenges have created both physical and economic barriers that limit access to healthcare services. The proposed research is intended to provide direction for future interventions aimed at addressing these constraints and improving health insurance performance in the country.
Scope of Work
The NHIA stated that the research thematic areas were identified as national priorities through a consultative process and a review of existing literature. These areas are considered critical to addressing major challenges hindering the effective realization of UHC in Nigeria.
The research has been grouped into four lots:
- Lot 1: Expanding Coverage
- Resource mobilization
- Pooling of funds
- Strategic purchasing of healthcare services
- Lot 2: Improving Quality of Care
- Modalities for improving quality of care
- Incentives for quality improvement within the health insurance ecosystem
- Lot 3: Improving Equity in Health Insurance
- Strategies to improve effective public subsidies
- Social inclusion in health insurance schemes
- Lot 4: Improving Market Efficiency
- Sustainability of the health insurance market
- Viability of health insurance operations in Nigeria
Eligibility Requirements
Prospective consultants and firms must submit mandatory documents as part of their technical bid. Failure to provide any of the documents will result in disqualification. Required documents include:
- Certificate of Incorporation with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), including CAC2 and CAC7
- Tax Clearance Certificates for 2022, 2023, and 2024, valid until 31 December 2025
- Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) Compliance Certificate
- Pension Commission (PENCOM) Clearance Certificate
- Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Compliance Certificate
- Interim Registration Report (IRR) from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP)
- A sworn affidavit covering company status, director integrity, conflict of interest, and authenticity of documents
Other Requirements for Bidders
Eligible applicants must be:
- Research institutions based in Nigeria
- Nigerian academic institutions
- Local development partners or NGOs working in the health sector
Applicants are also required to show documented experience in health financing, health policy research, or health systems research, willingness to engage in knowledge exchange with NHIA, and evidence of similar projects executed within the last three years.
Submission and Bid Opening
Technical documents must be submitted in soft copy and two hard copies in sealed envelopes clearly marked “Technical Bid.” Submissions close on Monday, 26 January 2026, at 12:00 noon prompt. Late submissions will be rejected.
Opening of technical bids will take place immediately after the deadline at the NHIA Headquarters, Utako, Abuja, with bidders and relevant stakeholders invited to attend.
