Tinubu Orders Mandatory Health Insurance Implementation Across MDAs

Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu has directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to issue a service-wide circular mandating all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to implement compulsory health insurance in line with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act, 2022.

The directive is part of a broader push to strengthen Nigeria’s health insurance framework, expand coverage, and reduce out-of-pocket healthcare spending among citizens and public sector workers.

According to the President’s order, all MDAs are required to enrol their employees under the NHIA health insurance plan. Where preferred, agencies may also procure supplementary private health coverage, provided it aligns with the provisions of the NHIA Act.

Additionally, the directive makes it compulsory for entities participating in public procurement to present a valid NHIA-issued Health Insurance Certificate as part of their eligibility documentation. This certificate will serve as a precondition for procurement participation and continued engagement.

The President also instructed that all MDAs must require applicants to submit valid NHIA Health Insurance Certificates when applying for or renewing licenses, permits, or other official approvals. This move is intended to ensure wider compliance and embed health coverage into regulatory and administrative processes.

To support enforcement and transparency, the NHIA has been tasked with establishing a digital verification platform for Health Insurance Certificates. This system will allow MDAs to verify submitted documents quickly and accurately, reducing the risk of fraud or non-compliance.

Furthermore, all MDAs are directed to collaborate with the NHIA to develop internal procedures for certificate verification and to ensure consistent compliance monitoring across government institutions.

While pushing for full implementation across government agencies, President Tinubu also emphasized the need for constructive engagement with the private sector. He called for closer collaboration to ensure the provisions of the Act do not place undue burdens on businesses.

The NHIA Act, passed in 2022, mandates universal health insurance coverage for all persons residing in Nigeria. However, despite some progress, national coverage remains low three years after its enactment.

This latest presidential directive aims to accelerate adoption of the Act’s provisions, safeguard workers, and build a more accountable and inclusive health system across the country.