NIGERIA: Tinubu Orders MDAs To Enforce Mandatory Health Insurance

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate implementation of mandatory health insurance across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in line with the National Health Insurance Act, 2022.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday, the President instructed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to issue a service-wide circular mandating compliance.

The statement read: “The presidential directive aims to expand health coverage, safeguard workers, reduce out-of-pocket health expenditures and promote accountability in public and private sector engagements.”

The directive, which focuses on five key areas, requires all MDAs to enrol their employees in the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) plan, with an option of supplementary private coverage where necessary.

It further requires all entities participating in public procurement to present a valid NHIA Health Insurance Certificate as part of their eligibility documents. The same requirement will apply to applicants seeking licenses, permits, and official approvals.

To ensure transparency, it was stated that the NHIA will create a digital platform for the verification of health insurance certificates, while MDAs are expected to develop internal mechanisms for verifying authenticity and monitoring compliance.

President Tinubu also stressed the need for constructive engagement with the private sector to prevent businesses from being unduly constrained by the law.

Although the NHIA Act was enacted three years ago, national health insurance coverage remains low despite notable improvements in the health sector.

Tunji-Ojo also urged citizens to remain law-abiding, security-conscious, and supportive of government policies while wishing Muslims a joyous and peaceful celebration.