President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate enforcement of mandatory health insurance across all Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), in line with the provisions of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act, 2022.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) has been instructed to issue a service-wide circular to ensure compliance. He added that the President also urged constructive engagement with the private sector to prevent businesses from being unduly constrained by the requirements of the law.

The directive outlines five key measures. First, all MDAs must enrol their employees in the NHIA health insurance scheme, while supplementary private coverage may be adopted in line with the Act. Secondly, contractors and entities participating in public procurement must present valid NHIA-issued Health Insurance Certificates as part of their eligibility documentation.

The order further mandates that applicants seeking licenses, permits, and other official approvals must provide valid NHIA Health Insurance Certificates before issuance or renewal. To enhance transparency, the NHIA is to establish a digital platform for easy verification of certificates. In addition, MDAs are to work with the NHIA to develop internal procedures that will enable the verification of submitted certificates and ensure consistent compliance monitoring.

According to the Presidency, the policy is designed to expand health coverage, safeguard workers, reduce out-of-pocket health spending, and promote accountability in public and private sector engagements.

The NHIA Act, signed into law in 2022, stipulates compulsory health insurance for Nigerians and mandates the NHIA to guarantee coverage for all. However, three years after its enactment, health insurance coverage in the country remains relatively low despite some recent progress.