President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to circulate a directive across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) mandating the implementation of comprehensive health insurance services.
Gatekeepers News reports that according to the presidency, the order aligns with the provisions of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act of 2022.
However, Tinubu cautioned government bodies to maintain “closer and constructive engagement with the private sector, in order not to stifle their businesses.”
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, outlined the directive in a statement on Wednesday, noting that it covers five major areas.
The statement reads, “First, all MDAs must enrol their employees in the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) health insurance plan. Where desired, MDAs may take up supplementary private insurance coverage in accordance with the NHIA Act.”
“All entities participating in public procurement must present a valid NHIA-issued Health Insurance Certificate as part of their eligibility documentation.”
This certificate confirms compliance with the mandatory health insurance requirement and serves as a condition precedent for continuing any procurement-related engagement.”
“The Presidential directive also compels all MDAs to require applicants to present valid NHIA Health Insurance Certificates as a precondition for issuing and renewing licenses, permits, and other official approvals.”
“According to the directive, the NHIA will establish a digital platform to enable easy verification of Health Insurance Certificates, ensuring transparency and accessibility.”
“Finally, the directive compels all MDAs to work with the NHIA to develop internal procedures to verify the authenticity of the submitted Health Insurance Certificates and ensure consistent compliance monitoring.”
Onanuga explained that the move is designed to expand health coverage, safeguard workers, reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses, and promote accountability in both public and private sector dealings.
He further emphasised that while the NHIA Act, passed in 2022, made health insurance compulsory, three years after the Act was enacted, national health insurance coverage remains alarmingly low despite recent progress in the health sector.
