By Haruna Abdulrashid
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to issue a circular to all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), mandating full compliance with the National Health Insurance Act, 2022.
The directive, announced in a statement signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, signals government’s determination to expand health coverage, protect workers, cut down out-of-pocket spending, and strengthen accountability in public and private sector operations.
According to the statement, President Tinubu also urged closer and constructive engagement with the private sector to ensure that businesses are not unduly burdened by the implementation process.
Under the new order, all MDAs are required to enrol their employees in the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) scheme, with the option of supplementary private coverage where necessary. Entities participating in public procurement will now have to present a valid NHIA-issued Health Insurance Certificate as part of their eligibility documentation. This certificate will serve as proof of compliance and a prerequisite for any procurement engagement.
The directive further makes it mandatory for applicants seeking licenses, permits, or other official approvals to provide valid NHIA Health Insurance Certificates before such requests are processed. To enhance transparency, the NHIA will establish a digital platform for easy verification of certificates, while MDAs are expected to develop internal systems to confirm authenticity and ensure consistent compliance monitoring.
The presidency stressed that the policy is a critical tool for reversing the country’s low health insurance coverage rate. Despite the passage of the NHIA Act in 2022, uptake remains weak, leaving many Nigerians without access to affordable healthcare.
“This policy is designed to ensure health coverage for all Nigerians and build a sustainable health financing system,” the statement read.
