President Bola Tinubu has appointed Dr. Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe as the Chairman of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
According to a statement released on Sunday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the former Kwara Central Senator’s appointment will be for an initial term of four years, effective from March 11, 2025.
Oloriegbe’s Credentials and Experience
Dr. Oloriegbe previously represented Kwara Central Senatorial District in the 9th Senate of the National Assembly. He holds a Master’s in Coaching and Consultation from the University of Oxford, UK, and HEC, Paris, as well as a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State.
He is an active member of several professional organizations, including:
- Nigerian Medical Association (NMA)
- Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN)
- Nigeria Venereal Disease Association
- Guild of Medical Directors of Nigeria
- International Aids Society (IAS)
- Africa Health Leadership and Management Network
From 2019 to 2023, Oloriegbe served as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and also chaired the Joint National Assembly Committee on Health. His extensive experience in healthcare policy and legislative oversight is expected to strengthen the NHIA’s role in improving Nigeria’s health insurance framework.
Tinubu Reveals Exchange with Minister Wike
In a separate development, President Tinubu disclosed details of a conversation with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, in which he humorously warned of possible dismissal.
During a Sallah homage led by Wike and FCT residents at the State House in Abuja on Sunday, Tinubu revealed that Wike had requested an exemption from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to enhance his ability to execute projects in the FCT.
Tinubu’s Response to Wike’s Proposal
The President recounted how Wike approached him with the request, explaining that such an exemption would provide greater financial flexibility for development initiatives. However, Tinubu, adding a political angle, cautioned that if the exemption ultimately benefited the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) more than the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Wike’s position could be at risk.
“He (Wike) came up with a lot of good ideas. I remember the day Nyesom Wike came to me and said, ‘Please take us out of this problem of TSA so I can do more work and achieve more.’ I said, ‘Show me what you are about to do,’ and he presented his plans,” Tinubu stated.
“I then threw in my own political jibe by saying, ‘Would that give my party an advantage in winning elections in the FCT? I know where you are coming from—your party or my party—but if this thing works too much in your favor, you will lose your job.’
“He said, ‘We will settle that, oga,’” Tinubu added.
Wike’s Political Background
Despite being a PDP member, Wike played a significant role in supporting Tinubu’s 2023 presidential bid, often working against his party’s official candidate. His political alignment led to his eventual appointment as the FCT Minister under the APC-led administration.
Wike’s request regarding the TSA highlights his ambition to implement policies that would enhance governance in the FCT, while Tinubu’s response reflects the intersection of politics and governance in his administration.
