The House of Representatives has initiated measures to ensure private companies adhere to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) regulations.
Consequently, it has called on the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to begin gathering information on private firms that are non-compliant and to impose appropriate penalties on defaulters.
This development follows the approval of a motion presented by Hon. Felix Uche Nwaeke (PDP, Rivers) during yesterday’s plenary session.
In presenting the motion, the legislator highlighted
that the National Health Insurance Act of 2022 mandates health insurance coverage for all employees working in private companies with a workforce exceeding five individuals.
He further explained that the NHIA is empowered by law to accredit and oversee Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs), ensuring they meet operational standards and compliance requirements. This framework is designed to guarantee that Nigerian workers in both public and private sectors have access to and are enrolled in appropriate health insurance plans.
Nwaeke emphasized that under the scheme, private employers are required to contribute 10% of an employee’s basic salary, while employees must contribute 5%, making a combined total of 15%.
The lawmaker sounded a warning
that a significant number of private companies are neglecting their responsibility by neither enrolling their staff nor making the necessary contributions to the scheme.
He expressed concern that this neglect leaves employees vulnerable during medical emergencies, as they receive no support from the scheme, thereby undermining the intended benefits of the NHIS.
Following the motion’s adoption, the House
directed its healthcare services committee to monitor compliance closely and submit a report within four weeks to guide subsequent legislative measures.
