Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has declared that every Nigerian is now legally entitled to compulsory health insurance under the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act 2022.
Falana explained that the law, which repealed the 2004 NHIS Act, introduces a Basic Minimum Package of Care for all citizens and creates a Vulnerable Group Fund to cover the poor, elderly, children under five, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.
He noted that the Act requires state governments to run their own insurance schemes or work with third-party administrators. Section 25 of the Act mandates full government funding for vulnerable groups, while employees contribute under Section 31.
Falana also highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s directive of September 3, 2025, ordering all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to enrol workers under the NHIA scheme. Entities involved in public procurement must now present a valid NHIA-issued Health Insurance Certificate, backed by a new digital verification platform.
Despite the reforms, Falana warned that over 90% of Nigerians remain uninsured, blaming poverty as the major barrier. He urged federal, state, and local governments to fund health coverage in line with the Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
