By Ismaeel Aleem
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate implementation of mandatory health insurance for all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in line with the National Health Insurance Act of 2022.
The directive, announced on Wednesday, seeks to expand healthcare access, reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses, and strengthen accountability across both public and private sectors.
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In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to circulate a service-wide directive enforcing compliance with the Act.
The order highlighted five key provisions, including the compulsory enrolment of all MDA employees in the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) scheme. However, agencies may opt for supplementary private insurance to complement the mandatory plan.
To ensure wider compliance, the President further mandated that entities participating in public procurement must present a valid NHIA-issued Health Insurance Certificate as a prerequisite for eligibility. Likewise, applicants seeking licences, permits, or other official approvals must provide proof of compliance with the health insurance requirement.
The NHIA is to establish a digital verification platform to authenticate certificates, while MDAs will be responsible for developing internal procedures to monitor compliance and verify submitted documents.
The directive also encourages closer collaboration with the private sector to prevent undue burdens on businesses while promoting adherence to the health insurance framework.
According to the Presidency, the initiative is intended to safeguard workers, promote transparency, and strengthen healthcare delivery nationwide.
Although the National Health Insurance Act, enacted in 2022, mandates health insurance for all Nigerians, coverage remains relatively low nearly three years later, despite recent improvements in the health sector.
Analysts welcomed Tinubu’s directive as a crucial step towards achieving universal health coverage, addressing access gaps, and reducing financial strain on citizens seeking medical care.
However, they emphasised the need for robust implementation to overcome challenges such as limited awareness and administrative bottlenecks.
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The NHIA is expected to play a pivotal role in driving compliance and ensuring that the new digital verification system enhances transparency.
Tinubu’s directive is regarded as a significant move to align public and private sectors with the objectives of the 2022 Act, fostering a healthier and more accountable workforce.
