President Bola Tinubu has ordered the implementation of mandatory health insurance across all Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in line with the provisions of the National Health Insurance Act, 2022.
The directive, contained in a State House press release issued on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, mandates the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to issue a service-wide circular ensuring full compliance by all MDAs.
According to the statement, the President emphasised that while enforcement of the Act is paramount, there must be “further, closer and constructive engagement with the Private Sector on the Act to ensure that businesses are not unduly constrained.”
The directive highlights five key measures to ensure compliance. Firstly, all MDAs are to enrol their employees in the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) plan, with the option of obtaining supplementary private insurance in line with the Act.
Secondly, all entities participating in public procurement are now required to present a valid NHIA-issued Health Insurance Certificate as part of their eligibility documentation. This certificate will serve as proof of compliance and a prerequisite for continuing procurement-related engagements.
Furthermore, MDAs must also require applicants to provide valid NHIA Health Insurance Certificates when applying for or renewing licences, permits, and other official approvals.
To enhance transparency, the NHIA has been directed to establish a digital verification platform, enabling easy authentication of Health Insurance Certificates and preventing fraudulent practices. MDAs are also mandated to work closely with the NHIA to develop internal procedures for verifying the authenticity of submitted certificates and ensuring consistent compliance monitoring.
The State House press release noted that the President’s directive seeks to expand health coverage, protect workers, reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, and promote accountability in both public and private sector engagements.
Despite the enactment of the NHIA Act in 2022, the press release highlighted that national health insurance coverage remains “alarmingly low,” underscoring the need for immediate and decisive action.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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