President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a directive mandating all Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to comply with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act of 2022, enforcing compulsory health insurance for federal employees.
The order, announced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, aims to bolster universal health coverage and reduce out-of-pocket medical costs.In a statement by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president instructed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to issue a service-wide circular ensuring strict adherence to the NHIA Act, which has been in effect for three years but lacks nationwide implementation.
The directive outlines five key measures to expand coverage and ensure accountability:Mandatory Enrollment: All MDAs must enroll employees in NHIA-approved health insurance plans, with the option for supplementary private insurance if compliant with the law.
Procurement Compliance: Entities seeking public procurement contracts must present a valid NHIA-issued Health Insurance Certificate as a prerequisite.
Licensing Requirement: MDAs must require valid NHIA certificates for issuing or renewing licenses, permits, or approvals.
Digital Verification: The NHIA will develop a digital platform to verify Health Insurance Certificates, curbing fraudulent documentation.
Internal Monitoring: MDAs are to collaborate with the NHIA to establish procedures for ongoing compliance and certificate authentication.
Tinubu emphasized engaging the private sector to avoid undue burdens while urging swift implementation to achieve the NHIA Act’s goal of mandatory health insurance for all Nigerians.
The directive aligns with efforts to strengthen healthcare access and reduce financial barriers to medical services.
The NHIA has been tasked with monitoring compliance and developing the digital platform, with MDAs expected to report progress regularly.
While the move has been welcomed by health advocates, some MDA staff raised concerns about premium affordability and HMO service quality, prompting the NHIA to promise robust oversight and grievance mechanisms.
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