Employees demand clarity on costs, coverage and retirement implications as NHIS registration becomes compulsory…..
Employees of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) have expressed unease and dissatisfaction following a management directive making enrolment in the National Health Insurance Scheme compulsory for all staff.
Many workers say participation in the scheme had previously been voluntary, and the sudden move to mandatory enrolment has triggered anxiety, with employees arguing that adequate consultation and sensitisation were not carried out before the policy shift.
The controversy stems from an internal memo dated February 17, 2026, with reference number FAAN/HQ/DHR&A/2026/Vol. 1.25, signed by the Director of Human Resources and Administration and Chairman of the FAAN NHIS-HMO Committee, Dr. Emiola Olatunbosun.
Titled “Reminder: Link for Registration for Choice of Health Maintenance Organisation,” the memo directed all staff to select a preferred Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) from three approved providers: AXA Mansard, Leadway Health, and AVON HMO.
Management stated that the directive aligns with a Federal Government policy aimed at broadening participation in the national health insurance programme, now overseen by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
The memo further emphasised that possession of a valid National Identification Number is mandatory as part of the documentation required for onboarding.
“All staff are hereby reminded that having a valid National Identification Number is mandatory and forms part of the required documentation for onboarding under the NHIS scheme. Staff are therefore advised to ensure that their NIN is readily available,” the circular read in part.
Management added that the commencement date for staff onboarding under the NHIA would be communicated in due course.
Workers Seek Transparency
Despite the directive, several employees have called for greater transparency, urging management to provide detailed clarification on the financial implications, scope of healthcare coverage and long-term benefits tied to compulsory enrolment.
One employee, who requested anonymity due to lack of authorisation to speak publicly, said uncertainty remains widespread among staff.
“Most FAAN staff are not part of the NHIS for various reasons. First, we don’t know how much medication each staff member, including their spouse and four children, is entitled to in a year.
“In terms of drugs, what are the quality and quantity a staff member is entitled to receive? What happens to a staff member who does not activate their plan within a year?” the worker queried.
Employees approaching retirement are said to be particularly concerned about losing the flexibility previously associated with voluntary participation.
“Some of us have just a few years left in service. I think enlistment in the NHIS should remain optional so that those who do not activate theirs can receive something at the end of the year,” the staff member added.
Another employee, who also declined to be named for fear of victimisation, questioned the rationale behind making the scheme compulsory.
“They are the ones that make us suspect them. Why mandate it? It is not today that NHIS came into existence. Making this optional will not violate any law. At least we have been treating ourselves before now,” he said.
Other staff members echoed similar concerns, calling on FAAN management to organise comprehensive enlightenment and sensitisation sessions to address lingering questions and build confidence before full implementation.
Efforts to obtain a response from FAAN’s spokesperson, Henry Agbebire, were unsuccessful as of press time.
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