Tinubu Orders Mandatory Health Insurance For Civil Servants

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

The directive was contained in a statement released on Wednesday by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to achieving universal health coverage, Tinubu also stressed the need for closer collaboration with the private sector to ensure that enforcement of the Act does not place “undue burdens” on businesses.

Under the new directive, all MDAs are mandated to enrol their employees in the NHIA health insurance scheme, with an option for additional private cover where desired.

The statement added that contractors and entities involved in public procurement must now present valid NHIA Health Insurance Certificates as part of their eligibility documentation.

Applicants for licenses, permits, and other government approvals will also be required to show proof of compliance.

To strengthen enforcement, the NHIA is expected to introduce a digital verification system for Health Insurance Certificates to ensure transparency and ease of authentication.

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MDAs have also been directed to develop internal monitoring procedures in collaboration with the NHIA to verify certificates and ensure consistent compliance.

According to the Presidency, the move is aimed at expanding health coverage, protecting workers, reducing out-of-pocket medical costs, and embedding accountability across both public and private sector engagements.

Despite the NHIA Act being passed three years ago, Nigeria’s health insurance coverage remains “alarmingly low.”

The Presidency described the directive as a decisive push towards accelerating progress and building a sustainable and inclusive healthcare financing system for Nigerians.