President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate implementation of mandatory health insurance for all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in line with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act, 2022.
In a statement signed by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the President instructed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to issue a service-wide circular, compelling MDAs to enrol their employees under the NHIA health insurance plan. MDAs may also adopt supplementary private coverage in accordance with the law.
As part of the directive, entities bidding for government contracts must present valid NHIA-issued Health Insurance Certificates as proof of compliance. Similarly, MDAs are now required to demand such certificates before granting or renewing licenses, permits, and other official approvals.
To strengthen enforcement, the NHIA will launch a digital verification platform for certificates, while MDAs are mandated to establish internal processes for monitoring compliance.
President Tinubu emphasized the need for constructive engagement with the private sector to ensure the implementation of the Act does not impose undue burdens on businesses.
The move, according to the Presidency, is designed to expand health coverage, protect workers, reduce out-of-pocket medical costs, and enhance accountability in both public and private sector engagements.
The NHIA Act, enacted in 2022, made health insurance compulsory for all Nigerians. However, coverage levels remain low despite modest progress in recent years.
