President Bola Tinubu has directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, to issue a service-wide circular mandating all Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to fully implement compulsory health insurance, in line with the National Health Insurance Act (NHIA) 2022.

While underscoring government’s resolve to strengthen universal health coverage, the President also urged sustained, constructive engagement with the private sector to ensure businesses are not unduly burdened by the law’s provisions.

A Presidency statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Wednesday, explained that the directive outlines five key compliance measures: Enrolment of Federal Workers – All MDAs must enrol their employees under the NHIA health insurance plan, with the option of supplementary private coverage as permitted by the Act.
“Procurement Requirement – Companies and organisations seeking to participate in public procurement must present a valid NHIA-issued Health
Insurance Certificate as part of their eligibility documents.
“Condition for Official Approvals – MDAs must make the presentation of valid NHIA Health Insurance Certificates a prerequisite for issuing or renewing licenses, permits, and other statutory approvals.
“Digital Verification Platform – The NHIA will deploy a digital platform for real-time verification of Health Insurance Certificates, enhancing transparency and accessibility.
“Internal Monitoring Procedures – All MDAs are to work with the NHIA to establish internal mechanisms for authenticating certificates and ensuring compliance.”

According to the Presidency, the move is designed to expand health coverage, protect workers, reduce out-of-pocket health expenses, and entrench accountability in both public and private sector engagements.

The NHIA Act, enacted in 2022, makes health insurance compulsory for all Nigerians and empowers the NHIA to guarantee universal coverage. Yet, three years on, national enrolment levels remain worryingly low despite incremental progress in the health sector.