Reps demand health insurance for private sector employees
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The House of Representatives has urged private sector employers to comply with the provisions of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act, 2022, which mandates all companies with more than five employees to provide health insurance coverage for their workers.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Felix Nwaeke during Thursday’s plenary session.
Nwaeke, who represents Eleme/Oyigbo/Tai Federal Constituency of Rivers State, expressed concern over the widespread non-compliance with the NHIA Act by private firms, describing the trend as a violation of the law.
He noted that despite the clarity of the law, many private companies have failed to enrol their staff in any health insurance scheme or remit the required contributions, leaving workers without medical protection.
It is worrisome that most private companies have totally refused to enrol their employees or make the required contributions to the scheme. This negligence leaves workers to their fate in times of illness, defeating the purpose of the Act,” Nwaeke said
The NHIA Act, 2022, makes health insurance compulsory for all employees in both the public and private sectors, requiring employers to contribute 10 per cent and employees 5 per cent of their basic salary to fund health coverage.
Lawmakers overwhelmingly supported the motion when it was put to a voice vote by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session
Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged the NHIA to immediately begin collating data on defaulting private companies and to sanction those found in violation of the law.
The House also mandated its Committee on Healthcare Services to monitor compliance with the directive and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
It would be recalled that in September 2025, President Bola Tinubu directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to immediately enrol their employees in the NHIA scheme — a move widely commended by stakeholders and organised labour.
