Tinubu directs MDAs to implement mandatory health insurance for workers

President Bola Tinubu has directed all ministries, extra-ministerial departments, and agencies (MDAs) to ensure full compliance with the mandatory health insurance provisions of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act, 2022.

The directive, announced on Wednesday, comes three years after the enactment of the NHIA Act, which mandates universal health coverage for all Nigerians.

According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser on information and strategy, Tinubu has asked the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF) to issue a service-wide circular to all MDAs.

All MDAs are required to enrol their employees in the NHIA health insurance plan, with the option to take up supplementary private coverage in line with the act.

“All entities participating in public procurement must present a valid NHIA-issued Health Insurance Certificate as part of their eligibility documentation,” the statement reads.

“This certificate confirms compliance with the mandatory health insurance requirement and serves as a condition precedent for continuing any procurement-related engagement.

“The Presidential directive also compels all MDAs to require applicants to present valid NHIA Health Insurance Certificates as a precondition for issuing and renewing licenses, permits, and other official approvals.”

The NHIA is also directed to establish a digital platform to enable easy verification of health insurance certificates, ensuring transparency and accessibility.

“Finally, the directive compels all MDAs to work with the NHIA to develop internal procedures to verify the authenticity of the submitted Health Insurance Certificates and ensure consistent compliance monitoring,” the statement reads.

“The presidential directive aims to expand health coverage, safeguard workers, reduce out-of-pocket health expenditures and promote accountability in public and private sector engagements.”

Onanuga said Tinubu, however, called for further, closer and constructive engagement with the private sector on the act to ensure that businesses are not unduly constrained.