By Ameh Gabriel
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to issue a service-wide circular mandating all Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to implement compulsory health insurance in line with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act, 2022.
The directive, announced through a statement by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, is aimed at expanding health coverage, reducing out-of-pocket expenses, and strengthening accountability across government and the private sector.
According to the order, MDAs must immediately enrol their employees under the NHIA health insurance plan, with the option of supplementary private coverage where necessary.
The directive also introduces new compliance requirements:
Public Procurement: All companies and contractors bidding for government projects must present a valid NHIA-issued Health Insurance Certificate as part of eligibility documents.
Licenses and Permits: Applicants seeking the issuance or renewal of licenses, permits, or other official approvals must show proof of valid NHIA Health Insurance Certificates.
Verification System: The NHIA will develop a digital platform for real-time verification of insurance certificates to ensure transparency.
Compliance Monitoring: MDAs must work with NHIA to establish internal procedures for verifying certificates and monitoring adherence.
While reinforcing the Act, President Tinubu also urged constructive engagement with the private sector to avoid creating unnecessary burdens for businesses.
Signed into law in 2022, the NHIA Act makes health insurance compulsory for all Nigerians and empowers the Authority to take necessary steps to achieve universal coverage. However, nearly three years later, coverage levels remain alarmingly low despite reforms in the health sector.
The new directive, according to the Presidency, is designed to close this gap and accelerate Nigeria’s journey towards universal health care.
