Posted on: Thu 04-09-2025

Tinubu Orders Full Enforcement of NHIA Act Across Federal MDAs

In a decisive move to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, President Bola Tinubu has directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, to issue a service-wide circular mandating all Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to fully implement compulsory health insurance. This directive aligns with the provisions of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act of 2022.

Key Compliance Measures

According to a statement released by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the directive outlines five major enforcement steps:

Enrolment of Federal Workers: 
All MDAs must enroll their employees under the NHIA health insurance plan. Supplementary private coverage is permitted under the Act.

Procurement Requirement: 
Companies and organizations seeking to participate in public procurement must present a valid NHIA-issued Health Insurance Certificate as part of their eligibility documentation.

Condition for Official Approvals: 
MDAs must require valid NHIA Health Insurance Certificates before issuing or renewing licenses, permits, and other statutory approvals.

Digital Verification Platform: 
The NHIA will deploy a real-time digital platform to verify Health Insurance Certificates, enhancing transparency and accessibility.

Internal Monitoring Procedures: 
MDAs are to collaborate with NHIA to establish internal mechanisms for authenticating certificates and ensuring compliance.

Broader Implications

The Presidency emphasized that this initiative is designed to:

• Expand health coverage
• Protect federal workers
• Reduce out-of-pocket health expenses
• Promote accountability in both public and private sector engagements

Despite the NHIA Act making health insurance compulsory for all Nigerians since 2022, national enrollment levels remain low. This directive is expected to accelerate implementation and improve access to healthcare across the country.

---

---