President Bola Tinubu has directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to enforce mandatory health insurance across all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

‎The directive aligns with the provisions of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act, 2022, and mandates the immediate issuance of a service-wide circular to ensure compliance.

‎The president also called for “further, closer and constructive engagement with the private sector on the Act to ensure that businesses are not unduly constrained.”

‎According to a statement issued by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday, the directive outlines five key areas of implementation across public institutions.‎

‎“All MDAs must enrol their employees in the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) health insurance plan.”

‎”MDAs may also procure additional private insurance coverage where necessary, as long as it aligns with the NHIA Act.

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

‎‎This certificate serves as proof of compliance and is a precondition for participating in any procurement-related activities.

‎‎“All MDAs must require applicants to present valid NHIA Health Insurance Certificates as a precondition for issuing and renewing licenses, permits, and other official approvals.”

‎To support this, the NHIA will develop a digital verification platform to ensure transparency and ease of access.

‎MDAs are further required to collaborate with NHIA to establish internal systems for verifying the authenticity of submitted health insurance certificates.

‎They must also implement consistent compliance monitoring to ensure all regulatory obligations under the Act are met.

‎‎The presidential order aims to expand health coverage, protect workers, reduce out-of-pocket expenses, and improve accountability in both public and private sectors.

‎The NHIA Act, enacted in 2022, mandates health insurance for all Nigerians and empowers the NHIA to take necessary steps toward universal coverage.

‎In spite of advancements in the health sector, national insurance coverage remains alarmingly low, three years after the law’s passage.

(NAN)