Nigerstate Contributory Health Agency - NiCare

06/11/2025

NiCare Engages Secondary Health Care Providers Across Zones, Trains on New E-Claims System

The Niger State Contributory Health Agency -NiCare has successfully concluded a comprehensive engagement and capacity-building exercise for secondary health care providers across the three senatorial zones of the State: Minna, Bida, and Kontagora.
The three-day exercise, held between 28th and 30th October 2025, was aimed at deepening participants’ understanding of the revised NiCare Operational Guidelines and introducing the new electronic claims (E-Claims) system.
The sessions brought together, NHIA accredited facility Doctors, Desk officers, HODs of both laboratory and Pharmacy of private and public secondary health facilities to promote efficiency, accountability, and uniformity in service delivery and claims management.

Speaking at the opening session in Minna, the Executive Secretary NiCare, Sulayman Abu-bakr, represented by the Director, Standard and Quality Assurance, Dr. Sa’adu Saleh Galma, described the transition to an electronic claims platform as a major milestone in NiCare’s digital transformation drive.
He explained that the new system will replace the manual, paper-based claims process with a fully automated, transparent, and real-time digital platform.
“The E-Claims System is designed to simplify and speed up claims submission, minimize human error, and ensure timely reimbursement of healthcare providers,” he said. “This innovation aligns with the vision of Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to strengthen healthcare financing and improve service delivery outcomes for the people of Niger State.”

Facilitators from NiCare, in their separate presentations across the three zones, outlined the benefits and operational features of the new platform. They noted that the system will enable providers to submit, track, and receive feedback on claims digitally, while its built-in validation mechanisms will help prevent common errors.
The E-Claims system, they added, is expected to enhance documentation, reduce administrative costs, and improve data security in compliance with NiCare’s data protection standards.
Participants were also taken through key areas of the revised Operational Guidelines, including Standard Operating Procedures for Referrals, Offences and Penalties Framework, and the E-Claims Portal and Dashboard. A practical demonstration of the electronic claims submission and tracking process was also conducted.

The engagement sessions provided an interactive platform for healthcare providers to seek clarifications, share challenges, and offer feedback toward a smooth transition to the digital system.
Participants commended NiCare for the forward-looking initiative and expressed readiness to support the implementation process.

The Executive Secretary also reaffirmed the Agency’s readiness to provide continuous technical support during the rollout phase, assuring that NiCare remains committed to building a seamless, transparent, and efficient health insurance ecosystem that benefits both enrollees and service providers.

01/11/2025

Every new month is another step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage for all Nigerlites. Let’s keep building a healthier and more secure future together.

15/10/2025

Early detection saves lives. Join the fight against breast cancer
Together, we can make a difference

10/10/2025

Healing begins when we start talking. Let’s make mental health a priority.

06/10/2025

06/10/2025

Thrilled to receive the Award for Excellence in Service to Humanity from Crusader Radio, Minna, at their 7th Anniversary Awards.

I dedicate this award to the management and staff of NiCare for their support in making our achievements visible.

My deepest appreciation goes to my boss, the Farmer Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, for his steadfast support and inspiration.

Abu-bakr MPH
Executive Secretary/CEO
NiCare

05/10/2025

NiCare Engages Stakeholders on 2nd Quarter QA/M&E Findings, Distributes New Operational Guidelines

The Niger State Contributory Health Agency-NiCare, has held Town Hall Meetings across the three senatorial zones of the state to disseminate its second quarter Quality Assurance and Monitoring & Evaluation (QA/M&E) report and distribute operational guidelines to stakeholders.

The meetings, which took place in Bida, Kontagora, and Minna, brought together Directors of Primary Health Care, Desk Officers, Officers in Charge of focal facilities, Local Government Health Educators, private facilities under NiCare, and Ward Development Committee chairmen.

The QA/M&E exercise was aimed at assessing service delivery performance, monitoring adherence to quality standards, ensuring accountability of health workers, providing data for policy and planning, and enhancing community participation in monitoring and advocacy for better health services.

Flagging off the session in Minna, Executive Secretary, NiCare, Sulayman Abu-Bakr, said the town hall meetings were designed to strengthen accountability and improve service delivery across the state. He cautioned against the denial of services or collection of unauthorized fees, reminding facilities that capitation payments also cover infrastructure and professional standards. He further clarified that all approved medications are captured in the Niger State Essential Drug List.

The Chairman, Niger State House of Assembly Committee on Health and Nutrition, Hon. Umar Nasir PK, commended NiCare for its proactive measures, describing the forum as timely and crucial. He disclosed plans to sponsor a motion urging legislators to adopt enrollment of poor and vulnerable citizens into health insurance schemes as part of constituency projects in the 2026 budget. Also, in attendance, member representing Magama Constituency, Hon. Abdulaziz M. Gado Nasko, commended NiCare’s efforts and pledged legislative support to strengthen health insurance coverage across the state.

NiCare representatives presented the QA/M&E report, outlining challenges and recommendations for way forward.

The meetings also featured interactive sessions for peer learning, sharing experiences, and clarifying provisions in the revised operational guidelines and enrollees’ rights.

The Town Hall Meetings reaffirmed NiCare’s commitment to ensuring accountability, improving healthcare service delivery and guaranteeing that residents of Niger State derive maximum values from their contributions to the scheme.

01/10/2025

Happy Independence Day to all Nigerians.

18/09/2025

NiCare Sensitizes Himma International College Staff, Meets NURTW Leadership on Enrolment

In continuation of its drive to expand access to affordable and quality healthcare across Niger State, the Niger State Contributory Health Agency-NiCare, has carried out sensitization and engagement visits to Himma International College and the Niger State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

The sensitization visit to Himma International College, Minna was held at the instance of the school’s Staff Welfare Association, following the staff’s collective interest to personally subscribe to the NiCare scheme.

Addressing the gathering, the Director of Operations, NiCare, Pharm Attahiru Shehu Malagi, who led the team, provided an overview of the Agency, its mission, objectives, and the programmes under it. He stressed that the scheme is designed to guarantee quality and affordable healthcare for all residents of Niger State.

Chairman of the Himma Staff Welfare Association, Mr. Ikechukwu Joseph, appreciated the Agency for responding to their request, noting that the session was timely and enlightening. “Our staff are keen on having a health plan that is reliable and affordable. Today’s engagement has provided us with the clarity we need to proceed with enrolment into NiCare,” he said.

The session also featured an interactive question-and-answer segment, where staff members received clarifications on enrolment procedures, accredited health facilities, and coverage benefits.

Similarly, the NiCare team proceeded to the office of the NURTW State Chairman, where follow-up discussions were held on modalities for the enrolment of union members into the scheme. At the end of the deliberations, it was resolved that NiCare would provide the Union with a comprehensive list of accredited health facilities under the scheme. The Union, on its part, would initiate internal processes to finalize modalities for members’ enrolment. Both parties further agreed to fast-track arrangements so that the enrolment exercise can be concluded before the end of the year.

Speaking after the meeting, the NURTW State Chairman commended the Agency’s efforts and assured that the Union would work closely with NiCare to ensure its members benefit from the health insurance scheme. “Our members deserve access to good healthcare, and we are ready to collaborate with NiCare to make this a reality,” he affirmed.

The visits underscore NiCare’s unwavering commitment to achieving universal health coverage in Niger State by ensuring every resident has access to quality, affordable healthcare.

17/09/2025

Your health is our priority

16/09/2025

NiCare Gains National Spotlight in The Guardian

NiCare has once again been recognized for its outstanding strides in advancing healthcare access and impact across Niger State. Our recent feature in The Guardian Newspaper one of Nigeria’s most respected national publications highlights the Agency’s work and extends our reputation beyond the country’s borders.

This milestone has been made possible by the visionary leadership of His Excellency, the Governor of Niger State, whose commitment to transforming healthcare remains unwavering. Guided by his mandate, the Executive Secretary of NiCare has provided stellar leadership in translating this vision into reality.

At the core of these achievements are critical milestones in keeping with the strategic drive, the NEW NIGER agenda is the compass that directs every initiative and ensures that our programs are people-centered, impactful, and sustainable with the aim to achieve the vision of our Farmer Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago improved livelihoods Agenda.

This recognition is not just about what we have achieved, but also a testament to where we are headed. With the Governor’s support and the Blueprint as our guide, NiCare remains committed to setting new standards, building trust, and delivering on our mandate to the people of Niger State.

Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare delivery with excellence, innovation, and accountability.