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Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has criticised Nigerians who expect world-class healthcare but fail to pay taxes or enrol in the National Health Insurance Scheme.
Omokri shared his thoughts in a lengthy post on Instagram following public outrage over the death of Ifunanya Nwangene, who reportedly died from complications after a snake bite when hospitals were unable or unwilling to treat her.
Expressing sympathy, Omokri described Ifunanya as a rising star whose death was deeply tragic. He also recalled a similar public outcry surrounding the death of Arise TV journalist Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, noting that medical personnel were initially blamed before later evidence cleared them of wrongdoing.
According to Omokri, such incidents will continue unless Nigerians begin to examine their own role in the country’s healthcare challenges.
“Healthcare is not charity, and hospitals are not non-profit organisations,” he said, stressing that most medical facilities in Nigeria are privately owned and must balance saving lives with staying financially viable.
He argued that it is risky for private hospitals to treat emergency patients who have no health insurance, no money, and no financial guarantor, adding that many Nigerians fail to settle their medical bills after receiving treatment.
“If hospitals treat patients without guarantees, they often end up being dragged on social media, reported to the police, or exposed to legal battles and reputational damage,” he wrote.
Omokri advised Nigerians to enrol in the National Health Insurance Authority scheme or obtain private health insurance, noting that both options are readily available. He warned against blaming hospitals or the government when treatment is denied under circumstances where patients have made no financial provision for emergencies.
Drawing comparisons with healthcare systems in Europe and the United States, Omokri pointed out that citizens in those countries pay high taxes—sometimes up to 38 per cent of their income—which help fund public services, including healthcare. Even then, patients are billed for emergency treatment and face legal consequences if they refuse to pay.
He also dismissed the notion that Nigeria is an oil-rich country, explaining that the nation’s oil revenue, when shared across a population of over 230 million people, is insufficient to fund world-class healthcare without strong tax compliance.
“Do you pay tax, yet expect world-class healthcare?” he asked. “Who will pay for it?”
Omokri concluded by urging Nigerians to be more financially responsible, advising them to prioritise health insurance and emergency savings over luxury spending.
“If you truly value your life, prepare for emergencies,” he said, adding that meaningful change will only happen when citizens take responsibility alongside government efforts.
