President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the compulsory implementation of health insurance across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in line with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act of 2022.
In a statement on Wednesday, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said all MDAs must enroll their employees under the NHIA scheme, with the option of supplementary private coverage.
The directive also makes a valid NHIA-issued Health Insurance Certificate a mandatory requirement for public procurement eligibility, license issuance, permit renewals, and other official approvals.
“The certificate confirms compliance with mandatory health insurance and serves as a condition precedent for procurement-related engagement,” the statement noted
Digital Verification and Monitoring
The NHIA has been instructed to establish a digital platform for certificate verification, ensuring transparency and accessibility. MDAs are also required to create internal procedures to authenticate certificates and ensure strict compliance monitoring.
According to the presidency, the measure is designed to expand health coverage, safeguard workers, cut down out-of-pocket medical costs, and strengthen accountability in public and private sector engagements.
Engagement with Private Sector
Tinubu further directed that constructive engagement with the private sector must continue to ensure businesses are not unduly burdened by the new requirements.
