September 3, 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a directive mandating the implementation of compulsory health insurance for all federal public servants, in accordance with the provisions of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act of 2022. The directive instructs the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to circulate a service-wide memo to all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure full compliance.
This move by the President is a significant step towards actualising the goal of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria, with a focus on improving access to affordable healthcare for workers within the public sector. The directive reinforces the Federal Government’s commitment to health sector reform and strengthens the institutional framework established by the NHIA Act, which replaced the earlier National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
The NHIA Act, signed into law in May 2022, made health insurance mandatory for all Nigerians and legal residents. It provides for the creation of a fund to ensure coverage for vulnerable groups, including children under five, pregnant women, the elderly, persons living with disabilities, and the unemployed. With this new directive, the President is ensuring that the public sector leads by example in adopting the law.
Under this implementation order, all federal MDAs are expected to enrol their employees into an accredited health insurance scheme as stipulated by the NHIA. This includes making the appropriate deductions and remittances for the health insurance contributions of their staff. The service-wide circular from the SGF is anticipated to outline clear timelines, compliance measures, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure the effectiveness of this directive.
Health sector analysts have welcomed the move, noting that enforcing mandatory enrolment for government workers will not only protect the health of public servants but also boost the sustainability of the health insurance ecosystem. By expanding the pool of contributors, the NHIA will be better positioned to deliver quality health services and subsidise care for vulnerable populations.
President Tinubu’s decision also aligns with his administration’s broader health sector reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises healthcare financing, equitable access, and the strengthening of primary healthcare systems across the country. The move sends a clear message that access to healthcare is not a privilege but a right, beginning with those in public service.
As the implementation of this directive begins, all MDAs are expected to cooperate fully and take immediate steps to ensure that no federal employee is left uninsured. The federal government is also expected to embark on sensitisation efforts to educate workers on the benefits and processes of the scheme, while enforcement will be closely monitored to guarantee full compliance.
This development marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s journey towards achieving inclusive and sustainable healthcare for all citizens, starting with its own workforce.
