FG to Include Military Personnel in National Health Insurance Scheme

FG to Include Military Personnel in National Health Insurance Scheme

 

 

 

The Federal Government has pledged to fully integrate members of the Nigerian Armed Forces into the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), ensuring comprehensive healthcare for service members, their families, and eligible retirees.

 

The announcement was made by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, on Tuesday in Abuja during the 20th-anniversary celebration of the Ministry of Defence Health Implementation Programme’s collaboration with the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research Africa.

 

Matawalle emphasized that the initiative would strengthen the defence health system, guaranteeing that military personnel enjoy the same health protections as other Nigerian citizens.

 

“We must shape the next 20 years with national security and the NHIA, ensuring that our forces are covered by national health safeguards across postings and into retirement,” he said.

 

He described the health of the military as a key pillar of national security, noting that preventive healthcare and insurance coverage would ensure operational readiness. “Healthy forces mean a secure nation. Preventing illness keeps protection and unity operational,” Matawalle added.

 

The minister also highlighted the impact of the two-decade partnership with Walter Reed, which has reached more than half a million Nigerians—military personnel and civilians alike—through infrastructure development, healthcare interventions, and life-saving services.

 

Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, described the NHIA integration as a major milestone for ensuring that soldiers remain fit to defend the country. He said the partnership, built on “service, science, and sacrifice,” has strengthened 32 military health facilities, delivered extensive benefits to civilians, and preserved lives through interventions in HIV, COVID-19, and other health crises.

 

Musa noted that investments in research, laboratory infrastructure, and training have positioned Nigeria to tackle future health threats effectively. He cited the Defence Reference Laboratory in Abuja—accredited by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation—as a landmark achievement and a symbol of global best practices.

 

The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., lauded the partnership as a demonstration of trust and cooperation, noting its role in preserving military readiness and addressing global health challenges. Major General Paula Lodi, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command, said the initiative has helped combat HIV, malaria, and other infectious diseases while strengthening health systems beyond Nigeria’s borders.

 

Since inception, the programme has tested and counselled 1,628,414 clients for HIV, initiated 69,447 adults and children on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), and enrolled 77,162 individuals in long-term care. Among 277,975 pregnant women tested for HIV, 15,098 were positive, with 13,377 receiving ART to prevent mother-to-child transmission.

 

Matawalle said these milestones underscore the importance of integrating military personnel into the NHIA, ensuring sustainable healthcare and long-term operational effectiveness. “As we mark this anniversary, we recommit to keeping the health of our armed forces at the heart of national defence. A resilient force guarantees peace and security,” he declared.