Tinubu orders mandatory health insurance across ministries, agencies

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Tinubu Mandates Nationwide Health Insurance Across Government Ministries and Agencies

In a landmark move to bolster Nigeria’s healthcare system, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate implementation of mandatory health insurance across all federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). 

The directive, issued through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, aligns with the provisions of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act of 2022, which mandates universal health coverage for all Nigerians.

The announcement was made public in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. According to the directive, every MDA must enroll its employees in the NHIA health insurance plan. Where necessary, supplementary private insurance may also be adopted, provided it complies with the NHIA framework. This initiative is part of the administration’s broader strategy to reduce out-of-pocket health expenditures, safeguard workers, and promote accountability in both public and private sector engagements.

In a bid to ensure compliance and transparency, the NHIA will launch a digital platform for real-time verification of Health Insurance Certificates. This system will allow MDAs to authenticate certificates submitted by individuals and organizations seeking government contracts, licenses, permits, or other official approvals. From now on, entities bidding for public procurement must present valid NHIA-issued Health Insurance Certificates as part of their eligibility documentation. Similarly, applicants seeking regulatory approvals from MDAs will be required to meet the same condition.

President Tinubu emphasized the importance of engaging constructively with the private sector to avoid placing undue burdens on businesses. While the directive is firm in its enforcement, it also calls for collaboration to ensure that the rollout of mandatory health insurance is both effective and equitable.

The NHIA Act, signed into law in 2022, replaced the former National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and introduced a more robust framework for achieving universal health coverage. Despite the law’s enactment three years ago, national enrollment figures have remained low, prompting the government to take more assertive steps toward implementation.

This sweeping directive marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s approach to healthcare policy. By embedding health insurance into the fabric of public administration, the Tinubu administration aims to create a more resilient and inclusive health system, one that prioritizes the well-being of its workforce and citizens alike.