Korede Abdullah 
Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Government has pledged to integrate members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, their families, and eligible retirees into the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), ensuring comprehensive healthcare coverage.
Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, made the disclosure on Tuesday in Abuja during the 20th anniversary celebration of the Ministry of Defence Health Implementation Programme’s partnership with the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research Africa.
“We must shape the next 20 years with national security and the National Health Insurance Authority, ensuring that our forces are covered by national health and well-being safeguards,” Matawalle said, stressing that the health of military personnel is a matter of national security.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, described the NHIA integration as a vital step for military readiness, commending the long-standing Walter Reed partnership as a model of international collaboration.
He noted that the initiative has strengthened 32 military health facilities, preserved lives through interventions in HIV, COVID-19, and other outbreaks, and enhanced Nigeria’s overall health response capacity.
“Beyond the statistics and infrastructure, we must recognise the human narratives of resilience and hope facilitated by this partnership,” Musa said.
The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., praised the collaboration as a symbol of trust between Nigeria and the United States, while Major General Paula Lodi of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command highlighted its role in tackling HIV, malaria, and other infectious diseases.
She added that the programme has delivered life-saving treatments, trained health professionals, and strengthened research capacity, influencing health policy beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Matawalle further stressed that integrating armed forces personnel into NHIA would guarantee sustainable care and long-term operational effectiveness.
“Let us commit to leaving behind a defence health system that is not only robust but innovative and prepared for future threats,” he declared.
About the Author
Koko Maxwella 
Chukwu Obinna 
Juliet Jacob