President Tinubu Directs Mandatory Health Insurance Implementation Across MDAs

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the implementation of mandatory health insurance across all Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in accordance with the National Health Insurance Act, 2022.

The directive aims to expand health coverage, protect workers, reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses, and promote accountability in both public and private sector engagements.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to issue a service-wide circular on the National Health Insurance programme.

Under the directive, all MDAs are now required to ensure applicants present valid NHIA Health Insurance Certificates before issuing or renewing licenses, permits, and other official approvals. The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) is also mandated to establish a digital platform for easy verification of certificates, ensuring transparency and accessibility.

The directive further covers:
• Enrolment of MDA employees in the NHIA health insurance plan, with optional supplementary private coverage in line with the NHIA Act.
• Public procurement compliance, requiring all participating entities to present a valid NHIA-issued certificate as part of eligibility documentation.
• Verification and monitoring, obliging MDAs to work with NHIA to verify certificate authenticity and maintain consistent compliance oversight.

Regarding engagement with the private sector, President Tinubu called for closer and constructive collaboration to ensure businesses are not unduly constrained while implementing the Act.

The NHIA Act, 2022, mandates compulsory health insurance for all Nigerians and empowers NHIA to ensure nationwide coverage and undertake necessary measures to achieve its objectives.

Despite progress in the health sector, national health insurance coverage remains low three years after the Act’s enactment.