Amanze ChinonyePresident Tinubu has directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to issue a service-wide circular requiring all Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to fully implement mandatory health insurance under the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act, 2022.
The directive, announced on Wednesday, is designed to expand health coverage for millions of Nigerians, cut back on catastrophic out-of-pocket medical expenses, and boost accountability in the management of healthcare financing.
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Key Provisions of the Directive
- Mandatory enrollment: All federal employees must be enrolled in the NHIA scheme, with MDAs free to subscribe to supplementary private coverage.
- Procurement compliance: Companies bidding for public contracts must present a valid NHIA-issued Health Insurance Certificate as part of eligibility requirements.
- Licensing conditions: Valid NHIA certificates are now required for the issuance and renewal of licenses, permits, and other government approvals.
- Digital verification: NHIA will launch a platform for real-time verification of certificates to curb fraud and enhance transparency.
- Internal monitoring: MDAs must create procedures to authenticate certificates and track compliance across their operations.
The NHIA Act, signed into law in 2022, replaced the old National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) that had been largely voluntary since 1999.
The law makes health insurance compulsory for all Nigerians and legal residents, with structured contributions from government, employers, and individuals. It also provides a framework for subsidizing coverage for vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, children, and low-income households.
Despite its promise, enrollment has remained low three years after the law’s enactment, leaving millions without financial protection against health shocks. Analysts say this gap undermines Nigeria’s ambition to achieve universal health coverage and puts pressure on families already burdened by rising living costs.
Tinubu’s directive seeks to close this gap by enforcing compliance across federal institutions and leveraging procurement and licensing systems to drive broader adoption. He also stressed that closer engagement with the private sector would be necessary to avoid creating unnecessary hurdles for businesses.
For Nigeria’s 39 million small businesses and millions of public servants, the directive could mean more predictable healthcare costs, improved access to medical care, and a stronger funding base for hospitals.
If effectively implemented, it could mark a decisive step toward reducing poverty linked to medical bills and building a healthier, more productive workforce capable of driving economic growth.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
