The Federation of Informal Workers’ Organisations of Nigeria has called on the federal government to intervene in the payment of health insurance premiums.

The general secretary of FIWON, Gbenga Komolafe, made the call on Wednesday in Lagos.

Mr Komolafe said that the government’s intervention would ensure improved access to healthcare services among low-income earners.

He called for a 50:50 split between government and worker contributions toward health insurance premiums, as this would increase worker enrolment in the informal sector.

According to him, access to healthcare remains a fundamental human right and a critical component of national development.

“Healthcare is a human right. Good health is a fundamental component of family cohesion and well-being, and it is a vital measure of human capital development,” he said.

The general secretary cited Section 16(2)(d) of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates the government to provide essential social services, including healthcare, on an equitable basis.

“Section 16(2)(d) provides for the responsibility of the Nigerian state to ensure access to healthcare and other social goods necessary for social cohesion, material well-being and overall national development,” he said.

The labour leader expressed concern over the increasing privatisation of healthcare delivery in the country, which had made access difficult for many Nigerians.

“Currently, healthcare provision is heavily privatised, and citizens are expected to access services through health maintenance organisations,” he said.

According to him, workers in the informal sector are largely excluded because they cannot afford premium payments.

“Working people in informal employment cannot afford the premium payments. Enrolment in the scheme has, therefore, been dismally low among informal workers,” he said.

Mr Komolafe proposed a 50:50 contribution model between the government and the workers as a practical solution to boost enrolment.

“There should be a 50:50 government and worker contribution toward health insurance premiums to encourage more rapid enrolment, especially in the informal sector,” he said.

Mr Komolafe also called for a comprehensive social health insurance scheme targeting vulnerable groups.

“There is also the need for social health insurance coverage for vulnerable groups such as the aged, children under five, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities.

“These are people who, in most cases, cannot afford healthcare as currently provided,” he said.

Mr Komolafe said that improving healthcare access would enhance productivity and support sustainable national development.

(NAN)