Oloriegbe Applauds Tinubu’s Directive on Mandatory Health Insurance Implementation

By Chinedu Echianu

Chairman of the Governing Council of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Senator Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for directing the mandatory implementation of health insurance across all Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

The directive, issued from the State House, makes it compulsory for all MDAs to enroll their employees in the NHIA scheme, while contractors and businesses involved in public procurement must now present valid NHIA-issued Health Insurance Certificates as proof of compliance. The certificates will also be required for obtaining and renewing government licenses, permits, and approvals.

Senator Oloriegbe, who sponsored the NHIA Act in the 9th Senate, described the move as a turning point in Nigeria’s quest for universal health coverage. He explained that the 2022 Act was designed to institutionalize health insurance, protect vulnerable groups, and reduce the burden of out-of-pocket health spending on citizens.

“This represents a pivotal moment,” he said. “The Presidential directive signifies the culmination of the reform efforts we diligently pursued in the 9th Senate. President Tinubu’s decision effectively activates the core of that reform.”

To ensure accountability, the NHIA is expected to establish a digital verification platform for health insurance certificates, while MDAs will develop internal procedures to monitor compliance in collaboration with the Authority.

Senator Oloriegbe further commended the President for balancing the directive with private sector engagement, stressing that it would help expand coverage without creating unnecessary barriers for businesses.

“The directive transcends mere compliance; it aims to expand health coverage, protect workers, and embed accountability in both public and private sector operations. This was the intended objective of the law when it was proposed and enacted,” he added.

Despite the passage of the NHIA Act three years ago, health insurance penetration in Nigeria remains low. Oloriegbe expressed confidence that the President’s endorsement would accelerate progress and safeguard millions of Nigerians.

“For me, this development is both a personal win and a historic legacy which I will forever cherish,” he said. “As the legislator who sponsored the NHIA Act and now as Chairman of its Governing Council, I perceive this directive as the fruition of legislative effort—transforming reform into tangible reality for Nigerians.”