- Safiu Kehinde
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to enforce mandatory health insurance across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Tinubu gave the order in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The directive, according to the statement, aligns with the provisions of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act, 2022, and mandates immediate issuance of a service-wide circular to ensure compliance.
It is also aimed at expanding health coverage, safeguarding workers, reducing out-of-pocket health expenditures and promoting accountability in public and private sector engagements.
Tinubu, however, called for further, closer and constructive engagement with the Private Sector on the Act to ensure that businesses are not unduly constrained.
As highlighted by Onanuga, the President’s directive covers five key areas.
“First, all MDAs must enrol their employees in the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) health insurance plan.
“Where desired, MDAs may take up supplementary private insurance coverage in accordance with the NHIA Act.
“All entities participating in public procurement must present a valid NHIA-issued Health Insurance Certificate as part of their eligibility documentation.
“This certificate confirms compliance with the mandatory health insurance requirement and serves as a condition precedent for continuing any procurement-related engagement.” the statement partly read.
MDAs are also directed to ensure applicants present valid NHIA Health Insurance Certificates as a precondition for issuing and renewing licenses, permits, and other official approvals.
According to the directive, the NHIA will establish a digital platform to enable easy verification of Health Insurance Certificates, ensuring transparency and accessibility.
All MDAs are also compelled to work with the NHIA to develop internal procedures to verify the authenticity of the submitted Health Insurance Certificates and ensure consistent compliance monitoring.