President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, to issue a circular requiring all Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to implement compulsory health insurance in line with the National Health Insurance Act, 2022.
According to a statement from the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, every MDA is now expected to enroll its employees in the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) scheme. Where appropriate, entities may also provide supplementary private insurance coverage as allowed by the Act.
The directive further mandates that all organizations participating in public procurement must present a valid NHIA Health Insurance Certificate to qualify for engagement. This certificate will serve as proof of compliance and a prerequisite for contracts, licenses, permits, and other official approvals. MDAs are also required to request the certificate from applicants before issuing or renewing such documents.
To facilitate oversight, the NHIA will establish a digital platform for verifying certificates, while MDAs must develop internal procedures to authenticate submissions.
The presidency emphasized that the move is intended to expand health coverage, reduce out-of-pocket expenses, protect workers, and promote accountability across public and private sectors. The NHIA Act, 2022, mandates universal health insurance and empowers the NHIA to drive comprehensive coverage for all Nigerians.
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