News
18.7m Nigerians under insurance cover, NHIA DG
No fewer than 18.7 million Nigerians have been covered by health insurance as of this year’s second querter, the Nigerian Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) said yesterday.
The agency said it has made significant strides in expanding health insurance coverage across the country.
It’s Director-General, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, dropped the hints in Abuja during the inaugural Quarterly Performance Dialogue between the Federal Government, 36 State Governments, and key health sector stakeholders.
According to him, the 18.7 million Nigerians covered by health insurance, surpassed the target set for the period by an impressive 11 per cent.
He said that this achievement highlighted the NHIA’s dedication to achieving universal health coverage (UHC).
Ohiri said: “The authority’s vision is centered on bridging the gap in healthcare access for millions of Nigerians and enhancing the overall quality of care. Despite this progress, several challenges persist.”
He said that one of the significant challenges identified was the uneven distribution of coverage, particularly the disparity between the formal and informal sectors.
To tackle these challenges, Ohiri said that the NHIA had outlined a strategic plan for the future.
He mentioned that the authority aimed to leverage on data and technology to enhance service delivery and patient outcomes.
He said that the NHIA was optimising operations and fostering citizen engagements in its commitment to improving healthcare access.
“The authority has set an ambitious target to cover 20 million Nigerians by 2027, a goal that underscores its comprehensive vision for universal health coverage in the country,” he said.
News
Before final liquidation, NDIC set to auction Heritage bank properties
In a bid to ensure timely declaration of liquidation dividends to uninsured depositors of the failed Heritage Bank (In-Liquidation), the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has commenced the process of auctioning the landed properties and chattels of the defunct bank.
According to the Corporation, this exercise is in line with its statutory powers as the Liquidator of failed banks under section 62 (1)(d) of the NDIC Act, 2023, noting that; “This is another follow-up action sequel to the disposal of physical assets and chattels belonging to the defunct bank at its leased locations nationwide”.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Director, Communication and Public Affairs Department, Bashir A.
Therefore, the auction of the landed assets shall be by competitive bidding in sealed bids scheduled to take place at the six (6) selected locations of the Corporation across the country, for the affected 36 branches of the failed bank beginning from Wednesday 4th December 2024.
“Buyers who wish to participate in the auction are expected to follow laid down guidelines purposely aimed at ensuring transparency, fair competition, equity, and accountability to enable recovery of commensurate values from the exercise. This is critical for the payment of liquidation dividends to eligible claimants.
The Corporation shall give preference to financial institutions who are willing to buy at the highest auctioned value to allow for the continuation of provision of banking services to the Nigerian public at the designated locations”, adding; “This is desirable towards bolstering financial inclusion as envisaged by the financial system regulatory authorities.
“However, Corporate bodies and Private individuals willing to compete are equally eligible to compete in the process without prejudice, the auction shall be open and competitive to all bidders.
Furthermore, bidders will be allowed to inspect the properties and chattels across all locations one week before the date of disposal.”
Importantly too, the statement said; “All interested parties are to make available 10% bid security of the value of their sealed bids to be dropped in the bid box provided at the specific centre out of the six locations of the Corporation as contained in the published advertisements.
“All interested bidders are advised to submit their bids only at the designated NDIC offices covering their choices amongst Abuja, Lagos, Bauchi, Kano, Enugu, and Port Harcourt.”
Meanwhile, the Corporation has vowed that there would be no hiding place for debtors of the defunct Heritage Bank whose financial obligation portfolio is in the region of over N700 billion.
News
Naira slumps in parallel market
The Naira experienced a slight depreciation yesterday, slipping to N1,740 per dollar in the parallel market compared to its previous rate of N1,735 per dollar on Tuesday.
According to data from FMDQ, the indicative exchange rate for the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM) strengthened, rising to N1,645.4 per dollar from Tuesday’s rate of N1,689.88 per dollar. This marks an appreciation of N44.48 for the Naira.
The market also saw a significant increase in dollar trading activity, with turnover climbing by 122.5 percent to reach $236.84 million, up from $106.44 million the previous day.
As a result, the gap between the parallel market and the NAFEM exchange rate widened, now standing at N94.6 per dollar, up from N45.12 per dollar recorded on Tuesday.
News
Sad! Body of COAS, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja, ready to be airlifted to Abuja(Photos)
Body of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja, ready to be airlifted to Abuja.
SEE PHOTOS BELOW:
-
News9 hours ago
Trump picks ex-Democrat Tulsi Gabbard as US Intel Chief
-
News22 hours ago
SAD! 39 years old actor, found dead in his room, left a letter
-
News8 hours ago
Umahi Frowns At Slow Pace Of Suleja-Minna Road Construction
-
News9 hours ago
NNPC Carries Out Leadership Shakeup, Appoints Adedapo Segun As New CFO
-
News9 hours ago
JUST IN: Govt Declares Friday As Public Holiday
-
News9 hours ago
Abia Assembly orders Deputy Governor, Emetu to apologise over assault on House member
-
News8 hours ago
NYSC announces date for ‘2024 Batch C’ registration
-
News17 hours ago
Stop importation of fake fuel to Nigeria, professionals in Europe tell Tinubu