Politics
NHIA Health Insurance Certificates Required For Licensing, Permit Renewals, Others As Tinubu Orders Compulsory Implementation
explained that the directive is designed to expand health coverage,
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the compulsory implementation of the National Health Insurance Act (NHIA), 2022, with new requirements that make health insurance certificates a condition for public procurement, licensing, and permit renewals.
In the directive through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the president instructed all Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to fully comply with the provisions of the law.
The order, according to the presidency, covers five key areas. First, all MDAs are required to enrol their employees in the NHIA health insurance plan. Where necessary, they may also subscribe to supplementary private insurance coverage in line with the Act.
Second, all entities participating in public procurement must present a valid NHIA-issued Health Insurance Certificate as part of their eligibility documentation. The certificate confirms compliance with the mandatory health insurance requirement and will now serve as a condition precedent for any procurement-related engagement.
Third, the directive makes it compulsory for MDAs to demand valid NHIA Health Insurance Certificates as a precondition for issuing and renewing licenses, permits, and other official approvals.
Fourth, the NHIA will establish a digital platform that enables easy verification of health insurance certificates, ensuring transparency, accessibility, and smooth implementation of the directive.
Fifth, all MDAs are to work with the NHIA to create internal procedures for verifying the authenticity of submitted certificates and to ensure consistent compliance monitoring.
While mandating compliance across government institutions, Tinubu also called for further, closer, and constructive engagement with the private sector to ensure that businesses are not unduly constrained by the implementation process.
The presidency explained that the directive is designed to expand health coverage, safeguard workers, reduce out-of-pocket health expenditures, and promote accountability in both public and private sector engagements.
Enacted in 2022, the NHIA Act makes health insurance compulsory for all Nigerians and empowers the NHIA to adopt necessary measures to achieve universal health coverage. However, three years after the law came into force, national health insurance coverage remains alarmingly low despite recent progress in the health sector.
The latest directive, according to the presidency, is expected to accelerate implementation and drive wider health insurance adoption across the country.
Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, confirmed the directive in a statement issued on September 3, 2025.
