In line with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act, 2022, President Bola Tinubu has directed the compulsory implementation of health insurance across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday, the President instructed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to issue a service-wide circular mandating compliance.
Under the directive, all MDA employees must be enrolled in the NHIA health insurance scheme, while agencies may adopt supplementary private insurance plans where necessary.
The policy also introduces stricter requirements for public procurement and licensing:
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NHIA Health Insurance Certificate Mandatory: All entities involved in public procurement must present a valid NHIA-issued certificate as part of their eligibility documents.
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Licences and Permits: MDAs must demand NHIA certificates from applicants seeking new licences, permits, and other official approvals, as well as for renewals.
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Digital Verification: The NHIA will develop a real-time digital platform to verify certificates and ensure transparency.
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Compliance Monitoring: MDAs are to establish internal systems for authenticating certificates and tracking compliance.
According to the statement, the presidential directive aims to expand health coverage, protect workers, reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses, and promote accountability in both public and private sector engagements.
The NHIA Act, 2022 makes health insurance compulsory for all Nigerians and mandates the authority to ensure universal health coverage nationwide.
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