Compulsory health insurance now enforced by President Tinubu to ensure wider health coverage across Nigeria’s public sector
Compulsory health insurance is now being enforced nationwide as President Bola Tinubu directs all Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to enroll employees under the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) plan.
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This bold move aims to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system and expand access to essential services for all citizens.
The directive follows the National Health Insurance Act, 2022, mandating comprehensive health coverage for Nigerians.
According to the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation will issue a service-wide circular to ensure compliance.
President Tinubu’s plan focuses on five key areas. First, every MDA must enroll its workforce in the NHIA health insurance scheme.
Additionally, entities involved in public procurement are now required to provide a valid NHIA Health Insurance Certificate to qualify for contracts.
This certification will also become mandatory for applicants seeking licenses, permits, or official approvals from any MDA.
To ensure transparency and ease of verification, the NHIA will develop a state-of-the-art digital platform for authenticating Health Insurance Certificates.
MDAs will be responsible for establishing internal processes to monitor compliance rigorously.
This comprehensive policy is expected to bring a transformational impact, enhancing healthcare accessibility and reducing financial barriers for Nigerians.
President Tinubu’s directive also calls for constructive engagement with the private sector, aiming to avoid unnecessary business disruptions.
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The compulsory health insurance initiative marks a powerful step forward in Nigeria’s pursuit of universal health coverage, promising a healthier future for millions.
