The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has lauded the Federal Government’s recent appointment of a substantive chairman for the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), describing it as a crucial move to bolster the institution’s governance framework and enhance efficiency in the health insurance sector.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos on Tuesday, NECA’s Director-General, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, underscored the significance of leadership in the success of public institutions. He noted that appointing a chairman for the NHIA was long overdue and would contribute to repositioning the agency to better fulfill its mandate.
“The appointment of a substantive chairman for the NHIA will not only strengthen the institution but also enhance its capacity to achieve its core objectives,” Oyerinde remarked.
However, while commending the federal authorities for this decision, NECA urged the government to expedite the appointment of governing boards and chairpersons for other critical regulatory bodies such as the National Pension Commission (PenCom) and the National Directorate of Employment (NDE). The association stressed that effective corporate governance in these agencies was crucial for policy implementation and economic stability.
Concerns Over Vacant Leadership Positions
NECA warned against the continued absence of governing boards for key agencies, emphasizing that such gaps could weaken regulatory oversight and policy execution. Oyerinde highlighted that while agency management teams play essential roles, they cannot substitute for properly constituted boards, which provide independent oversight as stipulated by their enabling Acts.
“We urge the government to ensure that other crucial institutions, including PenCom and NDE, are not left without substantive boards and chairpersons. The presence of these boards is not merely a bureaucratic requirement but a necessity for accountability and strategic governance,” Oyerinde added.
Beyond merely appointing individuals to fill these positions, NECA called for the implementation of strategic governance mechanisms to ensure that boards function effectively and do not become mere ceremonial bodies rubber-stamping management decisions. The association insisted that these boards must provide robust oversight and contribute to the strategic direction of their respective agencies.
Regulatory Efficiency at Stake
The call by NECA aligns with growing concerns among economic and policy experts about leadership vacancies in key government institutions. Analysts warn that delays in appointing governing bodies for major regulatory agencies could undermine efficiency, create policy inconsistencies, and weaken institutional effectiveness.
“With the NHIA leadership now in place, all eyes are on the federal government to see whether it will heed NECA’s call and accelerate the appointment of boards for other vital agencies to ensure regulatory efficiency and seamless policy execution,” Oyerinde concluded.
The development comes at a time when stakeholders are calling for holistic reforms in Nigeria’s institutional governance, especially within agencies tasked with critical economic and social mandates.
