President Bola Tinubu has ordered the full implementation of compulsory health insurance in all Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), in line with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act, 2022.
The directive was contained in a statement signed on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. The NHIA Act mandates compulsory health insurance for all Nigerians and empowers the Authority to take measures necessary to achieve universal health coverage.
According to Onanuga, Tinubu instructed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to issue a service-wide circular directing compliance. He also urged constructive engagement with the private sector to ensure the law is implemented without unduly burdening businesses.
The directive sets out five key measures. First, all MDAs are required to enrol their staff in the NHIA scheme, while supplementary private insurance may be obtained where necessary. In addition, companies bidding for public contracts must present a valid NHIA Health Insurance Certificate as part of their eligibility documentation. Applicants seeking the issuance or renewal of licenses, permits, and other official approvals must also provide valid NHIA Health Insurance Certificates.
To enhance transparency, the NHIA will establish a digital platform that enables real-time verification of Health Insurance Certificates. Furthermore, MDAs are expected to work with the NHIA to develop internal procedures for verifying certificates and ensuring consistent compliance.
“The President’s directive underscores government’s determination to expand health coverage nationwide while enforcing transparency and accountability in the process,” the statement noted.
