LAGOS, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu has ordered 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, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga said: “First, all MDAs must enrol their employees in the NHIA health insurance plan. Where desired, MDAs may take supplementary private insurance in accordance with the Act.”
The directive extends to contractors and service providers, making a valid NHIA Health Insurance Certificate a requirement for public procurement. “All entities must present certification as proof of compliance before engaging in contracts,” the statement added.
Tinubu emphasised collaboration with the private sector to prevent undue burdens on businesses while promoting universal coverage.
The move comes amid concerns that out-of-pocket health spending accounts for over 70% of Nigeria’s total healthcare expenditure—among the world’s highest. Less than 10% of Nigerians are enrolled in health insurance, largely due to informal sector dominance and distrust in government programmes.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare Muhammad Pate welcomed the directive, noting that universal health coverage is a core goal of the NHIA Act, signed in 2022 but yet to achieve significant penetration.
“Compulsory insurance will reduce household medical costs and expand healthcare access,” Pate said.
The Presidency described the reform as a decisive step towards protecting citizens and strengthening Nigeria’s health system.
