President Bola Tinubu has directed the compulsory implementation of health insurance coverage for all employees in federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), in accordance with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act, 2022.
The directive, announced on Wednesday in a statement signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, also extends to contractors, businesses, and individuals seeking government licenses or permits.
According to Onanuga, the President has instructed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to issue a circular to all MDAs to ensure immediate compliance.
The NHIA Act, enacted in 2022, mandates health insurance for all Nigerians and authorises the NHIA to enforce its implementation. The latest directive is seen as a significant move toward achieving universal health coverage in the country.
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Under the new policy, all federal MDAs must enrol their employees in the NHIA health insurance scheme. Agencies may also provide supplementary private health insurance in line with the law.
The presidential directive also introduces new requirements for businesses and individuals interacting with government institutions. All entities participating in public procurement must now present a valid Health Insurance Certificate issued by the NHIA as part of their eligibility documentation. This certificate will serve as a condition for engaging in procurement processes.
Similarly, applicants seeking to obtain or renew government-issued licenses, permits, and other approvals will be required to present valid NHIA Health Insurance Certificates.
To ensure transparency, the NHIA is expected to develop a digital platform that allows for the verification of submitted certificates. MDAs will also be required to work closely with the NHIA to establish internal procedures for verifying the authenticity of certificates and monitoring compliance.
President Tinubu further called for constructive engagement with the private sector to ensure that businesses are not unduly constrained by the implementation of the directive.
The move is part of the administration’s broader strategy to strengthen the health sector and ensure that every Nigerian has access to affordable and quality healthcare.
