Tinubu orders mandatory health insurance implementation across MDAs

By Kunle Sanni –

President Bola Tinubu has directed the compulsory implementation of health insurance coverage for all employees of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in line with the National Health Insurance Act, 2022.

The President instructed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to issue a circular mandating full compliance and called for constructive engagement with the private sector to ensure businesses are not overburdened by the policy.

Under the directive, MDAs must enroll their staff in the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) scheme, with the option of adding supplementary private coverage. All companies seeking to participate in public procurement will now be required to present valid NHIA-issued Health Insurance Certificates as proof of compliance.

The certificates will also be required for issuing or renewing licenses, permits, and other official approvals, making health insurance a prerequisite for government transactions. The NHIA will create a digital platform for verifying certificates, while MDAs are expected to establish internal procedures to authenticate documents and monitor compliance.

The initiative aims to expand health coverage, protect workers, reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses, and ensure accountability in public and private engagements.

Although the NHIA Act was passed in 2022 to make health insurance compulsory, coverage remains low three years later despite improvements in the health sector.