National Health Insurance Authority Act, 2022 2022 No.

17 A 623

Extraordinary

Federal Republic of Nigeria

Official Gazette
No. 95 Lagos - 24th May, 2022 Vol. 109
Government Notice No. 73

The following is published as supplement to this Gazette :

Act No. Short Title Page

17 National Health Insurance Authority Act, 2022 .. .. .. .. A625-652

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A 624 2022 No. 17 National Health Insurance Authority Act, 2022
 National Health Insurance Authority Act, 2022 2022 No. 17 A 625
NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE AUTHORITY ACT, 2022

\
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
Section :
PART I—ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE AUTHORITY
1. Establishment of the National Health Insurance Authority.
2. Objects of the Authority.
3. Functions of the Authority.
4. Establishment of the Governing Council.
5. Functions and powers of the Council.
6. Tenure of office for members of the Council.
7. Meetings of Council.
8. Disclosure of interest.
9. Committees of the Council.
10. Remuneration of members.
11. Cessation of membership and dissolution of the Council.
12. Ministerial directives.
PART II—TYPES OF HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEMES
13. Establishment of health insurance or contributory scheme.
14. Participation in health insurance to be mandatory.
15. Qualification for application.
16. Application for accreditation and licence.
17. Fee for issuance of licence.
18. Refusal to register and license a scheme.
19. Refusal to register or revocation of licence of a scheme.
20. Third Party Administrator.
21. Display of licence.
22. Prohibition on use of name unless licensed.
23. Transfer and joint operations.
PART III—IMPLEMENTATION OF BASIC HEALTH CARE PROVISION FUND AND
ESTABLISHMENT OF VULNERABLE GROUP FUND
24. Implementation of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.
25. Establishment and sources of the Vulnerable Group Fund.
26. Object of theVulnerable Group Fund.
27. Formula for disbursement from the Vulnerable Group Fund.
A 626 2022 No. 17 National Health Insurance Authority Act, 2022
28. Management of the Vulnerable Group Fund.
29. Investment of the Vulnerable Group Fund.
30. Expenses of the Vulnerable Group Fund.
PART IV—CONTRIBUTIONS UNDER THE HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEMES
31. Payment of contributions.
32. Registration of employers and employees.
PART V—HEALTH MAINTENACE ORGANISATIONS, MUTUAL HEALTH
ASSOCIATIONS AND THIRD-PARTY ADMINISTRATORS
33. Accreditation of Health Maintenance Organisations, Mutual Health
Associations and Third-Party Administrators.
34. Functions of Health Maintenance Organisations and Mutual Health
Associations.
35. Third Party Administrators.
36. Accreditation and functions of Health Care Providers.
37. Quality assurance.
38. Appointment of Actuary.
39. Directives of the Authority.
PART VI—STAFF OF THE AUTHORITY
40. Director-General and other staff of the Authority.
41. Establishment of offices in States and FCT.
PART VII—FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
42. Establishment of Fund for the Authority.
43. Power to accept gifts.
44. Annual accounts.
45. Annual reports.
46. Exemption from tax.
PART VIII—ARBITRATION
47. Mediation, Conciliation and arbitration.
PART IX—OFFENCES, PENALTIES AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
48. Offences and penalties.
49. Powers to sanction.
50. Limitation of suit against the Authority.
51. Service of documents.
52. Indemnity of officers.
 National Health Insurance Authority Act, 2022 2022 No. 17 A 627
PART X—MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
53. Contributions to be inalienable.
54. Contributions to form part of tax deductible expense.
55. Transfer of liability.
56. Exclusion from the Trustee Investment Act.
57. Reciprocal agreement with other countries.
58. Repeal.
59. Interpretation.
60. Citation.
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 National Health Insurance Authority Act, 2022 2022 No. 17 A 629
NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE AUTHORITY ACT, 2022
ACT No. 17
AN ACT TO REPEAL THE NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME ACT, CAP. N42, LAWS OF
THE FEDERATION OF NIGERIA, 2004, AND ENACT THE NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE
AUTHORITY ACT, 2022 TO PROVIDE FOR THE PROMOTION, REGULATION AND INTEGRATION
OF HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEMES IN NIGERIA ; AND FOR RELATED MATTERS

[19th Day of May, 2022] Commence-

ment.
ENACTED by the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria—
PART I—ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE AUTHORITY
1. There is established the National Health Insurance Authority (in this Establishment
Act referred to as “the Authority”). of the
National
(2) The Authority— Health
Insurance
(a) shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession and an official Authority.
seal ;
(b) may sue and be sued in its corporate name ;
(c) may, for the performance of its functions under this Act acquire,
hold, or dispose of any moveable and immovable property ; and
(d) may enter into contract or any other transaction in pursuance of its
powers and functions under this Act.
2. The objects of the Authority are to— Objects
of the
(a) promote, regulate and integrate health insurance schemes ; Authority.
(b) improve and harness private sector participation in the provision of
health care services ; and
(c) do such other things that will assist the authority in achieving Universal
Health Coverage to all Nigerians.
3. The Authority shall— Functions
of the
(a) promote, integrate and regulate all health insurance schemes that Authority.
operate in Nigeria ;
(b) ensure that health insurance is mandatory for every Nigerian and
legal resident ;
(c) enforce the basic minimum package of health services for all Nigerians
across all health insurance schemes operating within the country, including
Federal, States, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as well as private
health insurance schemes ;
A 630 2022 No. 17 National Health Insurance Authority Act, 2022
(d) promote, support and collaborate with States through State health
insurance schemes to ensure that Nigerians have access to quality health
care that meets national health regulatory standards ;
Act No. 8, (e) ensure the implementation and utilisation of the Basic Health Care
2014. Provision Fund as required under the National Health Act and any guidelines
as approved by the Minister under that Act ;
(f ) grant accreditation and re-accreditation to Health Maintenance
Organisations, Mutual Health Associations, Third Party Administrators and
Health Care Facilities and monitor their performance ;
(g) subject to section 13, approve contributions to be made by members
of the various health insurance schemes ;
(h) provide or require the establishment of mechanisms for receiving
and resolving complaints by members of the schemes and Health Care
Facilities, Health Maintenance Organisations, Mutual Health Associations
and Third-Party Administrators ;
(i) make proposals to the Council for the formulation of policies on health
insurance ;
(j) provide technical and other relevant support to State health insurance
schemes ;
(k) seek and advocate for funds for the Basic Health Care Provision
Fund ;
(l) provide and maintain Information and Communication Technology
(ICT) infrastructure and capability for the integration of all data on health
schemes in Nigeria including the State health insurance schemes ;
(m) undertake on its own or in collaboration with other relevant bodies a
sustained public education on health insurance ;
(n) devise a mechanism for ensuring that the basic health care needs of
indigents are adequately provided for ;
(o) maintain a register of licensed health insurance schemes and
accredited health care facilities ;
(p) evaluate any new proposal in relation to extending the coverage of a
health insurance scheme to any group of Nigerians ;
(q) in conjunction with the States, devise a mechanism for ensuring
that the basic health care needs of vulnerable persons are adequately
provided for ;
(r) accredit insurance companies, insurance brokers and banks desirous
of participating in health insurance schemes under the Authority ;
(s) regulating all health insurance schemes in Nigeria in accordance
with the provisions of this Act ;
 National Health Insurance Authority Act, 2022 2022 No. 17 A 631
(t) approve, after consultation with the Health Care Facilities, formats of
contracts for health service purchasing proposed by the Health Maintenance
Organisations and the Mutual Health Associations for all Health Care
Facilities ;
(u) approve, after consultation with Health Care Facilities and the bodies
representing the Health Care Facilities, capitation and other payments due
to Health Care Facilities by the Health Maintenance Organisations and
Mutual Health Associations ;
(v) undertake research and generate statistics on matters relating to the
Authority ;
(w) exchange information and data with the National Health Management
Information System, financial institutions, Federal Inland Revenue Service,
State Internal Revenue Services, National Bureau of Statistics, professional
regulatory bodies and other relevant bodies and individuals for research
purposes upon their request ;
(x) ensure manpower development of the Authority ;
(y) develop operational guidelines for the Authority and ensure it is
reviewed at least once in five years ;
(z) sanction erring parties in accordance with the provisions of the
operational guidelines ;
(aa) ensure that tariffs agreed with Health Care Facilities are reviewed
on a three-yearly basis to the mutual satisfaction of Health Care Facilities,
Health Maintenance Organisations, Health Insurance Schemes and the
Authority ; and
(bb) carry out such other activities as are necessary or expedient for the
purpose of achieving the objectives of the Authority under this Act.
4.—(1) There is established a Governing Council (in this Act referred to Establishment
as “the Council”) which shall consist of — of the
Governing
(a) the Chairman ; Council.
(b) one representative each of —
(i) the Federal Ministry of Health not below the rank of a Director,
(ii) the Federal Ministry of Finance not below the rank of a Director,
(iii) the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association, and
(iv) the Armed Forces ;
(c) two representatives of organised labour ;
(d) Director-General of the Authority who shall also serve as the
Secretary to the Council ;
A 632 2022 No. 17 National Health Insurance Authority Act, 2022

(e) a representative of each geo-political zone to represent the States,

such representation to be rotated between States every two years within
the zone ; and
(f ) a representative of a Civil Society Organisation whose main activities
focus on health.
(2) Members of the Council, other than the Director-General, shall be
part-time members.
(3) All members shall within one month of appointment declare in writing
to the Council their personal interests known to them in any organisation under
this Act.
(4) If upon declaration a member is found to hold personal interests in
conflict with the objects of this Act in any form, the appointment shall be
withdrawn.
(5) The Chairman and other members of the Council shall be appointed
by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the recommendation of
the Minister, and shall be persons of relevant high education, experience and
integrity.
Functions 5. The Council shall—
and powers
of the (a) approve and register for the Authority Third Party Administrators in
Council. any form ;
(b) determine the overall policies, including the financial and operational
procedures of the Authority ;
(c) ensure the effective implementation of the policies and guidelines of
the Authority ;
(d) regulate and supervise the various health insurance schemes
established under this Act ;
(e) promote, oversee, collaborate and provide guidance to State health
insurance schemes ;
(f ) issue guidelines for the administration of the funds of the Authority ;
(g) approve, license, regulate and supervise Health Maintenance
Organisations, Mutual Health Associations and other institutions relating to
the Authority as may be determined ;
(h) establish standards, rules and guidelines for the management of the
various schemes under this Act ;
(i) approve the organisational structure, appointments, promotions and
discipline of all categories of the Authority’s staff as well as their
remuneration ;
 National Health Insurance Authority Act, 2022 2022 No. 17 A 633
(j) receive and investigate complaints of impropriety levied against any
Health Maintenance Organisation, Mutual Health Association, or other
relevant institutions ;
(k) discipline by way of temporary suspension, revocation of license or
imposition of fine to any erring Health Maintenance Organisation, Mutual
Health Association, Health Care Provider or other relevant institution ;
(l) appoint auditors and other consultants for the Authority ; and
(m) do other things which are necessary or expedient for the performance
of its functions under this Act.
6.—(1) A member of the Council other than the Director General and Tenure of
Chief Executive Officer— office for
members of
(a) shall hold office for a term of four years in the first instance, and the Council.
(b) may be re-appointed for a further term of four years and no more.
(2) Where a member of the Council resigns, dies, is removed from
office or is, for sufficient reason, unable to act as a member of the Council,
the Chairman shall notify the President through the Minister of the vacancy,
and the President shall, on the advice of the nominating authority, where
applicable, appoint another person to hold office for the unexpired portion of
the member’s term of office.
(3) A member of the Council may at any time resign from office in
writing addressed to the President through the Minister.
7.—(1) The Council shall meet at least once every three months for Meetings
dispatch of business. of Council.

(2) The Chairman shall, at the request in writing of not less than half of
the membership of the Council, convene an extraordinary meeting of the Council
at the place and time determined by the Chairman.
(3) The quorum at a meeting of the Council shall be one third of members
of the Council including the Director-General.
(4) The Chairman shall preside at the meeting of the Council and, in the
absence of the Chairman, a member of the Council elected by the members
present from among their number shall preside.
(5) Matters before the Council shall be decided by a simple majority of
the members present and voting and in the event of a tie of votes, the person
presiding shall have the casting vote.
(6) The Council may invite a person acting in an expert capacity, but
that person is not entitled to vote on a matter for decision by the Council.
A 634 2022 No. 17 National Health Insurance Authority Act, 2022
(7) Subject to the provisions of this section, the Council shall determine
the procedure for its meetings.
(8) Minutes of each meeting shall be kept in proper form, and as adopted
by the Council at the next meeting and signed by the Chairman and the
Secretary of the meeting.
Disclosure 8. A member of the Council who has an interest in a contract or any
of Interest. other transaction proposed to be entered into with the Authority, or an application
before the Council shall disclose in writing the nature of the interest and is
disqualified from participating in the deliberations of the Council in respect of
the contract, application or that transaction.
Committees 9. The Council may, for the performance of its functions, appoint
of the committees composed of members of the Council, non-members or both and
Council.
assign to the committees any of its functions but a committee composed entirely
of non-members may only advise the Council.
Remuneration 10.—(1) The Chairman and members of the Council shall be paid such
of members. remuneration and allowances as the Federal Government may determine.
(2) The members of the Council, committees of the Council and persons
invited to attend meetings of the Council shall be paid traveling and other
allowances as approved by the Federal Government.
Cessation of 11.—(1) A member of the Council ceases to hold office if he—
membership
and (a) becomes of unsound mind ;
dissolution (b) becomes bankrupt or makes a compromise with his creditors ;
of the
(c) is convicted of a felony or any offence involving dishonesty ;
Council.
(d) is guilty of serious misconduct in relation to his duties ; or
(e) fails to declare his interests to the Council as required under section
8 of this Act.
(2) A member of the Council may be removed from office by the
President, on the recommendation of the Minister if he is satisfied that it is not
in the interest of the Authority or the public that the member should continue
in office.
(3) Where a vacancy occurs in the membership of the Council—
(a) the President shall appoint a successor ; and
(b) the successor shall—
(i) hold office for the remainder of the term of office of his
predecessor, and
(ii) represent the same interest as that of his predecessor.
 National Health Insurance Authority Act, 2022 2022 No. 17 A 635
(4) The Council may in the public interest be dissolved by the President
and all its members, excluding the Director-General, shall cease to hold office
as Council members.
(5) A member of the Council who is absent from three consecutive
meetings of the Council without sufficient cause shall cease to be a member
of the Council.
(6) The Chairman shall, through the Minister, notify the President in
writing of a vacancy that occurs on the Council within 30 days of the
occurrence of the vacancy.
(7) Upon dissolution of the Council and pending its reconstitution,
the Minister shall exercise the powers and functions of the Council
under this Act.

12. The Minister of Health may give directives to the Council on matters Ministerial
of policy. directives.

PART II—TYPES OF HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEMES

13.—(1) Every state of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory Establishment
may, for the purpose of providing access to health services to its residents, of State
establish and implement a State health insurance and contributory scheme, to health
insurance or
cover all residents of the State and Federal Capital Territory respectively. contributory
(2) The coverage under subsection (1) shall be at the minimum scope scheme.
Act No. 8,
of coverage as outlined in the Basic Minimum Package of the National 2014.
Health Act.
(3) The Authority shall establish a scheme for the coverage of employees
of Ministries, Departments, Agencies in the Federal Civil Service and other
relevant groups.
(4) For the purpose of the implementation of the scheme under subsection
(3), the Authority shall, with the approval of the Council, set out operational
guidelines for the scheme.
(5) State health insurance or contributory schemes and the Federal
Capital Territory Scheme established under subsection (1) shall comply with
the requirements under this Act, to ensure that any Health Maintenance
Organisation, Health Care Facility, Mutual Health Association or Third Party
Administrator employed in State health insurance schemes or the Federal
Capital Territory Health Insurance Scheme are registered by the Authority in
accordance with the provisions of this Act.
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(6) Every State and the Federal Capital Territory scheme shall establish
an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure for the
management of data and such ICT infrastructure shall be integrated with and
provide information in the requisite format to the ICT infrastructure of the
Authority.
(7) A State and the Federal Capital Territory shall provide coverage for
vulnerable persons under the State health insurance and contributory scheme
through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund and other sources and not
require the payment of premiums for such coverage by vulnerable persons
defined by this Act.
Act No. 8, (8) Every State which has established a state health insurance or
2014. contributory scheme and which complies with the requirements of this Act
shall be eligible to participate in the Basic Health Care Provision Fund as
established under the National Health Act and its guidelines.
Participation 14.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, every person resident in
in health Nigeria shall be required to obtain health insurance.
insurance to
be (2) Residents under this Act include—
mandatory.
(a) all employers and employees in the public and private sectors with
five staff and above ;
(b) informal sector employees ; and
(c) all other residents of Nigeria.
(3) Subject to subsection (2), nothing under this Act shall be construed to
preclude a resident in Nigeria from obtaining private health insurance provided
such a person participates in any State mandated health scheme.
(4) A person who obtains private health insurance shall not be eligible to
receive free coverage as a vulnerable person as provided under section 13 (7)
of this Act.
Qualification 15.—(1) Without prejudice to the power of a State to establish a health
for scheme under section 13 of this Act, a person shall not qualify to apply to
application. operate any form of health insurance scheme in the country unless the scheme
is registered as a company limited by guarantee or a limited liability company
and complies with the provisions of all relevant laws in Nigeria.
(2) A private health insurance scheme or plan shall cover interested
individuals, employers or employees of organisations in the private sector who
may want to buy the scheme for supplementary benefits.
Act No. 3, (3) A body corporate registered as a limited liability company under the
2020. Companies and Allied Matters Act and accredited by the Authority as a Health
 National Health Insurance Authority Act, 2022 2022 No. 17 A 637
Management Organisation may operate a private health insurance scheme,
subject to compliance with the provisions of law.
(4) A private health insurance scheme or plan shall be required as a
condition for registration and licensing by the Authority to deposit with a bank
accredited by the Authority an amount of money in an interest yielding account
that the Authority shall prescribe as security for its members.
(5) The security referred to under subsection (4) shall be maintained
throughout the period that the business of the private health insurance is
carried on.
(6) The Authority may review the level of the security deposit.
(7) Where a private health insurance scheme or plan suffers a substantial
loss, arising from liability to members and the loss cannot reasonably be met
from its available resources, the Authority may, after ascertaining the nature
of the claim, and on application made to it by the scheme, approve the
withdrawal from the security deposit of the scheme of an amount sufficient to
meet the liability, and an amount withdrawn shall be replaced by the scheme
not later than 90 days after the date of the withdrawal.
(8) The security deposit is the asset of the private health insurance
scheme or plan, but except as provided under subsection (7), it shall be available
to the scheme only in the event of the closure or winding up of the health
insurance business for the discharge of the liabilities arising out of policies
transacted by the insurer and remaining un-discharged at the time of the closure
or winding up of the insurance business.
(9) All private health insurance schemes or plans shall be regulated by
the Authority.
16—(1) Without prejudice to the right of a State to establish a health Application
scheme under section 13 of this Act, a person or group shall not operate a for
accreditation
health insurance scheme of any type in Nigeria unless it has been registered
and license.
with the Authority and issued a license for that purpose.
(2) Application for accreditation and license to operate a health insurance
scheme shall be made to the Authority in a form to be prescribed by the
Authority.
17. Without prejudice to the provisions of section 16 of this Act, the Fee for
Authority may, by regulations, impose fees for the issuance of a license under issuance of
this Act, except in the case of a Government health insurance scheme or license.
Authority.
A 638 2022 No. 17 National Health Insurance Authority Act, 2022
Refusal to 18.—(1) The Authority may refuse to register and issue a license for a
register and scheme, and it shall notify the applicant in writing of its decision, stating the
license a reason for the refusal.
scheme.
(2) Where the refusal to register and issue a license is as a result of
non-material defect in the application, the Authority may in the notice require
the applicant to rectify the application within six months.
Refusal to 19. The Authority may refuse to register or revoke the license of a
register or scheme if it is in breach of relevant provisions of the operational guidelines
revocation
and has failed to comply with a provision of this Act, the regulations or any
of license of
a scheme. other enactment applicable to the scheme.

Third Party 20.—(1) A Third Party Administrator shall—

Administrator.
(a) be registered by the Authority to perform such functions as are
specified under this Act ; and
(b) comply with all the requirements for Third Party Administrators under
the regulations to be made by the Minister.
(2) A Health Maintenance Organisation may act as a Third Party
Administrator if it—
(a) meets the requirements for doing so under this Act ; and
(b) is contracted to do so.
(3) A Third Party Administrator established under this Act shall—
(a) manage the providers including continuous quality assurance ;
(b) ensure patient satisfaction through relevant mechanisms, including
the operation of call centres ; and
(c) perform other administrative functions which they are required to
perform to facilitate the implementation of a State health scheme or functions
as required by the Authority.
Display 21. A licensed scheme, institution, organisation or group shall display its
of license. license in a prominent place at its offices, where the license is visible to the
general public.
Prohibition 22.—(1) Without prejudice to the right of a State to establish a health
on use of scheme, a person shall not conduct an activity under a name which includes
name unless
“health scheme”, “medical insurance scheme”, “health maintenance
licensed.
organisation”, “health insurance scheme” or similar name which is calculated
or likely to lead people to believe that the person operates a health insurance
scheme unless the scheme is registered and licensed and complies with other
provisions under this Act.
 National Health Insurance Authority Act, 2022 2022 No. 17 A 639
(2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is
liable on conviction to a fine of at least N2,000,000 or imprisonment for a term
of at least five years or both.
23.—(1) Subject to the provisions of section 12 of this Act, a health Transfer
scheme licensed under this Act shall not transfer its activities or operate its and joint
operations.
activities jointly with another scheme unless it has the prior written approval
of the Authority.
(2) An application for approval under subsection (1) shall be made jointly
to the Authority by the schemes involved and shall contain the information
prescribed by regulation made by the Authority under this Act.
PART III—IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BASIC HEALTH CARE PROVISION FUND
AND ESTABLISHMENT OF VULNERABLE GROUP FUND

24.—(1) The Authority shall work in conjunction with the States to provide Implementation
a basic minimum package of care to all residents of Nigeria. of the Basic
Health Care
(2) For the purpose of subsection (1), the Authority shall implement the Provision
Basic Health Care Provision Fund as set out in the National Health Act and Fund.
guidelines developed in that regard. Act No. 8,
2014.
(3) The Authority shall work in conjunction with the States to achieve
the objectives of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund and to provide a basic
minimum package of care as defined in the guidelines developed for the
implementation of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.
(4) The Authority shall provide general guidance for the operation of the
Basic Health Care Provision Fund and for that purpose—
(a) make regulations covering accreditation, quality of care and
complaints handling ;
(b) collaborate with the State health schemes and State-owned institutions
to accredit and empanel primary and secondary health care facilities using
criteria as may be contained in relevant guidelines ; and
(c) provide for the administration of an Ombudsman to handle complaints
of enrollees.
(5) States health schemes shall be responsible for disbursements,
management of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, and monitoring and
evaluation of the implementation of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund in
the States in line with the relevant guidelines issued by the Authority.
(6) Where a State has not yet established a State health scheme, it may
contract a Third Party Administrator, as defined in this Act for a temporary
period, prior to establishing a State health scheme.
A 640 2022 No. 17 National Health Insurance Authority Act, 2022
Establishment 25.—(1) There is established the Vulnerable Group Fund.
and sources
of the (2) The sources for the Vulnerable Group Fund include—
Vulnerable
Group Fund.
(a) Basic Health Care Provision Fund to the Authority ;
(b) health insurance levy ;
(c) Special Intervention Fund allocated by the Government and
appropriated to the Vulnerable Group Fund ;
(d) money that accrues to the Vulnerable Group Fund from investments
made by the Council ; and
(e) grants, donations, gifts and any other voluntary contribution made to
the Vulnerable Group Fund.
(3) The Council may by regulations review the sources of funding to
keep pace with developments in the health insurance industry.
Object of the 26.—(1)The object of the Vulnerable Group Fund is to provide finance
Vulnerable to subsidize the cost of provision of health care services to vulnerable persons
Group Fund.
in Nigeria.
(2) For the purpose of implementing the object, the money from the
Vulnerable Group Fund shall be expended to provide—
(a) subsidy for health insurance coverage of vulnerable persons as
determined by the Council ; and
(b) for the payment of health insurance premium for indigents.
Formula for 27.—(1) The Council shall determine and submit to the Minister for
disbursement approval, the criteria for disbursement of subsidies to be paid to State health
from the
insurance schemes for health care of the vulnerable and indigents in Nigeria.
Vulnerable
Group Fund. (2) The Council shall, in disbursing money from the Vulnerable Group
Fund make specific provisions towards the health needs of indigents and
prescribe the methods for determining who is indigent in Nigeria.
Management 28.—(1) The Council shall give directives to the Authority for the
of the management of the Vulnerable Group Fund.
Vulnerable
Group (2) The Council in the managing of the Vulnerable Group Fund shall—
Fund.
(a) formulate and implement policies towards achieving the objects of
the Vulnerable Group Fund ;
(b) approve methods for the collection of money lawfully due to the
Vulnerable Group Fund ;
(c) account for the money in the Vulnerable Group Fund ;
(d) provide formula for the disbursement of money from the Vulnerable
Group Fund ;
 National Health Insurance Authority Act, 2022 2022 No. 17 A 641

(e) approve any other expenditure charged on the fund under this Act or
any other enactment ; and
(f ) perform any other function ancillary to the objects of the Vulnerable
Group Fund.
29. Subject to approval of the Council, the Authority may invest a part Investment
of the Vulnerable Group Fund that it considers appropriate in securities and of the
Vulnerable
deposits.
Group
Fund.
30. The expenses attendant to the management of the Vulnerable Group Expenses of
Fund shall be charged to the Vulnerable Group Fund. the
Vulnerable
Group Fund.

PART IV—CONTRIBUTIONS UNDER HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEMES

31.—(1) Contributions under — Payment of
contributions.
(a) formal sector shall be paid by the employers and employees at rates
determined by the Councils of the various State health insurance schemes.
(b) informal sector shall be paid by individuals, groups and families at
rates determined by the Councils of the various State health insurance
schemes.
(2) The contributions for vulnerable persons, not otherwise covered by
other schemes, shall be made on their behalf by one or a combination of the
three levels of government, development partners or non-governmental
organisations.
(3) Contributions from the Federal Government for vulnerable persons
shall be made from the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.
(4) States shall be eligible to access these funds upon establishing their
State health insurance schemes as required under this Act and other relevant
provisions of the guidelines of the Authority.
(5) Individuals or employers may pay additional premiums for voluntary
supplementary or complementary private health insurance plans.
32.—(1) Subject to such guidelines and regulations as may be made Registration
under this Act, an employer shall register itself and its employees and pay into of
the account of States Social Health Scheme Funds, its contributions and the employers
and
contributions in respect of its employees, at the time and in the manner as may employees.
be specified in the State health insurance scheme laws and guidelines issued
thereunder.
A 642 2022 No. 17 National Health Insurance Authority Act, 2022
(2) Subject to guidelines and regulations as may be made under this Act,
an individual or employer may register himself and the people under him with
a private health insurer, pay into designated accounts of such insurer the
necessary premium in respect of himself and others under supplementary or
complementary private health insurance schemes.
PART V—HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANISATIONS, MUTUAL HEALTH
ASSOCIATIONS AND THIRD-PARTY ADMINISTRATORS
Accreditation 33.—(1) The Authority shall accredit—
of Health
Maintenance (a) Health Maintenance Organisations ;
Organisations, (b) Mutual Health Associations ; and
Mutual
Health
(c) Third Party Administrators.
Associations (2) The accreditation of Health Maintenance Organisations, Mutual
and Third-
Party
Health Associations, and Third Party Administrators shall be in such form and
Administrators. manner as may be determined by the operational guidelines of the Authority.
(3) The Authority may withdraw the licence of any accredited Health
Maintenance Organisation, Mutual Health Association, and Third Party
Administrator where they breach the provisions of the operational guidelines.
(4) Where the license of a Health Maintenance Organisation, Mutual
Health Association or Third Party Administrator is withdrawn, the Authority
shall decide on the best way to keep its activities going either temporarily or
permanently to safeguard the interest of the enrollees.
(5) The Authority may refuse to register and issue a license to a Health
Maintenance Organisation, Mutual Health Association or Third Party
Administrator, and it shall notify the applicant in writing of its decision.
Functions of 34.—(1) A Health Maintenance Organisation shall—
Health
Maintenance
(a) have roles as may be assigned to it by a State health insurance
Organisations, schemes including the role of Third Party Administrator ;
and Mutual (b) where employed to collect contributions, ensure prompt remittance
Health
of contributions to State pools ;
Associations.
(c) perform other administrative actions as required under this Act ;
(d) pay administrative charges to the Authority for purposes of regulation
and related issues ;
(e) pay for services rendered by health care providers accredited under
the Authority, for private health insurance ;
(f ) establish a quality assurance system to ensure that qualitative care is
given by the health care providers to enrollees ;
 National Health Insurance Authority Act, 2022 2022 No. 17 A 643

(g) render to the Authority returns on its activities as may be required by

the Council ; and
(h) perform any other function as may be determined by the Authority.
(2) Any private health insurance plans marketed by a Health Maintenance
Organisation shall be subject to approval by the Authority.
(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act, a Health Maintenance
Organisation shall not be involved in the direct delivery of health care services
(4) A Mutual Health Associations shall—
(a) have continuous community mobilisation and sensitisation ;
(b) negotiate with providers and purchase services for its members and
their families in consultation with the Authority ;
(c) ensure prompt remittance of contributions collected on behalf of the
members to the State health insurance scheme ;
(d) assist in ensuring quality assurance ; and
(e) perform any other function as may be determined by the Authority.
35.—(1) A Third Party Administrator shall— Third Party
Administrators.
(a) be a company duly incorporated as a limited liability company under Act No. 3,
the Companies and Allied Matters Act ; 2020.
(b) be registered by the Authority to perform such functions as are
specified under this Act ; and
(c) comply with all the requirements for Third Party Administrators under
regulations made by the Authority.
(2) An Organisation may act as a Third-Party Administrator if it —
(a) meets the requirements for doing so under this Act ; and
(b) is contracted to do so.
(3) A Third-Party Administrator established under this Act shall —
(a) carry out continuous quality assurance ;
(b) ensure patient satisfaction through relevant mechanisms, including
the operation of call centres ; and
(c) carry out other administrative functions which they are required to
perform to facilitate implementation of a State health scheme ;
(d) perform any other function as may be required by the Authority.
A 644 2022 No. 17 National Health Insurance Authority Act, 2022

Accreditation 36.—(1) The accreditation of health care providers shall be in such

and form and manner that complies with the operational guidelines of the Authority
functions of
healthcare
which shall be determined by the Authority.
providers. (2) A Health Care Provider accredited under the Authority shall—
(a) in consideration for a capitation payment made in respect of each
insured person registered with it, render quality healthcare services in
accordance with the approved benefit package ;
(b) for payment of approved fee for service as may be determined by
the Council, render quality health care services to insured persons in
accordance with the benefit package ; and
(c) perform any other function as may be determined by the Authority.
Quality 37. The Authority shall ensure that beneficiaries receive quality health
assurance. care services as shall be provided in the operational guidelines.

Appointment 38. The Authority shall appoint a licenced Actuary on such terms and
of Actuary. conditions as may be determined from time to time.
Directives 39. The Authority may direct a scheme or an officer of a scheme to
of the comply with the directives of the Authority specified in writing and where
Authority. there is failure to comply, the Authority may apply sanctions as provided for in
its operational guidelines.

PART VI—STAFF OF THE AUTHORITY

Director- 40.—(1) The President shall appoint a Director-General and Chief
General and Executive Officer for the Authority, subject to confirmation by the Senate.
other staff
of the (2) The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer shall—
Authority (a) be a person of integrity with relevant professional qualifications and
expertise ;
(b) be the accounting officer of the Authority ; and
(c) hold office—
(i) for a term of five years in the first instance and may be re-
appointed for a further term of five years and no more ; and
(ii) on such terms and conditions as may be specified in the letter of
appointment.
(3) The Director-General shall—
(a) organise and direct the administration of the Authority in accordance
with the Act ;
 National Health Insurance Authority Act, 2022 2022 No. 17 A 645
(b) be responsible for the general direction and control of all other
employees of the Authority ;
(c) be responsible for the administration of the Secretariat of the
Council ; and
(d) be responsible for keeping of the books and proper records of the
Authority.
(4) The Director-General shall be a voting member of the Council as
well as its Secretary.
(5) The Council shall—
(a) appoint, for the Authority, such number of directors and other
employees as may, in the opinion of the Council, be required to assist the
Authority in the discharge of any of its functions under this Act ; and
(b) pay to persons so appointed such remuneration, including
allowances, as the Council may, after consultation with the National
Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, determine.
41.—(1) The Authority shall with the approval of the Council, establish Establishment
in each State of the Federation and Federal Capital Territory, offices for the of offices in
Authority. States and
FCT.
(2) The administration, finances and other functions of the States and
Federal Capital Territory offices shall be determined by the Authority.
PART VII—FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
42.—(1) The Authority shall establish and maintain a fund (in this Act Establishment
referred to as “the Fund”) from which all its expenses shall be defrayed. of the Fund
of the
(2) The Fund established under subsection (1) shall consist of — Authority.
(a) annual subvention from the Federal Government ;
(b) such money as may be due to the Authority as administrative charges
from private health insurance plans ;
(c) fees, fines and commissions charged by the Authority ;
(d) income from any investments of the Authority ;
(e) such money as may be received from international or donor
organisations and non-governmental organisations ; and
(f ) all other money which may accrue to the Authority.
(3) The Authority shall apply the Funds at its disposal—
(a) to the cost of administration of the Authority ;
(b) to the payment of allowances and benefits of members of the Council ;
A 646 2022 No. 17 National Health Insurance Authority Act, 2022

(c) to the payment of salaries, allowances and benefits of officers and

employees of the Authority ;
(d) for the maintenance of any property vested in the Authority or under
its administration ; and
(e) for and in connection with the objectives of the Authority under
this Act.
(4) The Authority shall invest any money not immediately required by it
in the Federal Government securities or in such other securities and deposit as
the Council may determine.
Power to 43.—(1) The Authority may accept gifts of land, money or other
accept gifts. property on such terms and conditions as may be specified by the person
or organisation making the gift.
(2) The Authority shall not accept any gift if the conditions attached by
the person or organisation offering the gift are inconsistent with the objects
and functions of the Authority under this Act.
Annual 44.—(1) The Authority shall cause to be prepared, not later than 30th
accounts. September in each year, an estimate of the expenditure and income of the
Authority during the succeeding year and when prepared, they shall be
submitted to the National Assembly for appropriation.
(2) The Authority shall cause to be kept proper accounts of the Authority
and proper records in relation to it and such accounts shall be audited by
auditors appointed by the Authority from the list and in accordance with the
guidelines supplied by the Auditor-General for the Federation.
(3) Any member, agent or employee of the Authority who fails,
without reasonable cause, to comply with a requirement of an auditor under
subsection (2), commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not
more than N2,000,000 or imprisonment for a term not more than three
years or both.
Annual 45. The Council shall not later than six months immediately after the
reports. end of a year —
(a) submit to the Minister a report on the activities and the administration
of the Authority during the immediate preceding year and shall include in
the report the audited accounts of the Authority and the auditor’s report on
the accounts ; and
(b) present and publish the audited annual accounts, auditor’s report on
the accounts and reports on the activities of the Authority to the Minister.
 National Health Insurance Authority Act, 2022 2022 No. 17 A 647

46.—(1) The Authority shall be exempted from the payment of tax on Exemption
any income accruing from investments made by the Council for the Authority from tax.
or otherwise.
(2) The provisions of any enactment relating to the taxation of companies
or trust funds shall however not apply to the Authority or the Council.
PART VIII—ARBITRATION
47.—(1) Whenever there is dispute amongst parties under this Act, the Mediation,
dispute shall first be referred to the Authority for mediation and conciliation in conciliation
accordance with the operational guidelines and where conciliation fails, parties and
arbitration.
may resort to arbitration.
(2) The parties referred to in subsection (1) include, the Health
Maintenance Organisations, the Health Care Providers, the contributors or
the Authority or its agents.
(3) The applicable arbitral procedure shall be as provided in the Arbitration Cap. A18,
and Conciliation Act. LFN, 2004.

(4) No action shall lie against the Authority, its agents or employees
without prior notice in writing given one month before the institution of a legal
action.
PART IX—OFFENCES,PENALTIES AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
48.—(1) A person or Health Maintenance Organisation who— Offences and
penalties.
(a) fails to pay into the account of the Authority, State health insurance
scheme, or any health insurance fund under this Act, within the specified
period ;
(b) deducts the contribution from the employee’s wages and withholds
the contribution or refuses or neglects to remit the contribution to the
appropriate fund concerned within the specified time ;
(c) fails to remit payments to Health Care Providers within the specified
period indicated in the operational guidelines ;
(d) fails to settle fee-for-service or other claims from the Health Care
Providers within the stipulated time allowed in the operational guidelines ;
(e) manipulates the enrollee register for the benefit of other parties before
or after the release of the register by the Health Insurance Schemes ;
(f ) fails to provide care to a duly registered enrollee ; or
(g) issues a dud cheque,
commits an offence.
A 648 2022 No. 17 National Health Insurance Authority Act, 2022

(2) A person who commits an offence under subsection 1 (g) is liable on

conviction—
(a) in the case of a first time offender, to a fine of at least N1,000,000 or
imprisonment for a term not more than two years or both ; and
(b) in the case of a second or subsequent offender, to a fine of at least
N2,000,000 or imprisonment for a term not more than five years or both.
(3) A person who commits any offence under subsection 1 is liable to
prosecution under the relevant laws guiding financial transactions.
Powers to 49.—(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other provision or
Sanction the sections under Part VII of this Act, the Authority shall at all times retain the
power to sanction erring Health Maintenance Organisations, Health Care
Providers, Mutual Health Associations, insurance brokers, insurance companies,
banks, or any other operator or manager licensed or accredited person in line
with the operational guidelines as may from time to time be issued by the Authority.
Limitation 50.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the provisions of the
of suit Public Officers Protection Act shall apply in relation to any suit instituted
against the
Authority.
against any officer or employee of the Authority.
Cap. P41, (2) No suit shall be commenced against the Authority, a member of
LFN, 2004. the Council or the Director-General of the Authority before the expiration
of a period of one month after written notice of intention to commence the
suit shall have been served upon the Authority by the intending plaintiff or
his agent.
(3) The notice referred to in subsection (2) shall clearly state the –
(a) cause of action ;
(b) particulars of the claims ;
(c) name and place of abode of the intended plaintiff ; and
(d) relief which he claims.
Service of 51. A notice, summon or other document required or authorised to be
documents. served on the Authority under the provisions of this Act or any other enactment
or law may be served by delivering it to the Director-General or by sending it
by registered post and addressed to the Director-General at the Head Office
of the Authority.
Indemnity 52. A member of the Council, the Director-General, any officer or
of officers. employee of the Authority shall be indemnified out of the assets of the Authority
against any liability incurred by him in defending any proceeding, whether civil
or criminal, if such proceeding is brought against the person in his capacity as
a member, Director-General, officer or other employee of the Authority.
 National Health Insurance Authority Act, 2022 2022 No. 17 A 649
PART X—MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
53. Contributions payable to the Authority shall be inalienable and shall Contributions
not be assets for the benefit of creditors in the event of the bankruptcy or to be
inalienable.
insolvency of a contributor or an organisation.
54. Notwithstanding anything in any law or enactment, contributions Contributions
whether by an employer or an employee under this Act shall form part of tax to form part
of tax
deductible expenses in the computation of tax payable by an employer or, as
deductible
the case may be, by an employee, under any other relevant law applicable to expense.
income tax.
55. Where, under section 591 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Transfer of
an order is made by a court under subsection (3) of that section which includes liability.
the transfer to the company of the whole or any part of the undertaking and of Act
No. 3, 2020.
the property and liabilities of a transfer or company, the order shall include
provisions for the taking over, as from such date as may be specified in the
order, of any liability for any contribution which has become due and payable
under this Act, together with any accrued interest on it, in respect of the
employees concerned in the undertaking, property or liability transferred.
56. The provisions of the Trustee Investment Act shall not apply to any Exclusion
investment made by the Authority under this Act. from the
Trustee
Investment
Act.
Cap. T22,
LFN, 2004.
57. The Federal Government may enter into a reciprocal agreement Reciprocal
with the government of any other country in which an Authority similar to that agreement
with other
establishment by this Act, and the provisions of the agreement shall be read in
countries.
conformity with the provisions of this Act.
58.—(1) The National Health Insurance Scheme Act Cap N42, Laws Repeal.
of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 is repealed.
(2) The repeal shall not affect—
(a) the previous operation of the enactment or anything duly done or
suffered under the enactment ;
(b) any right, privilege, obligation or liability accrued or incurred under
the enactment ;
(c) any penalty, forfeiture or punishment incurred in respect of any offence
committed under the enactment ; or
(d) any investigation, legal proceeding or remedy in respect of any such
right, privilege, obligation, liability, penalty, forfeiture or punishment, and any
such investigation, legal proceeding or remedy in respect of any such right.
A 650 2022 No. 17 National Health Insurance Authority Act, 2022

Interpretation. 59. In this Act—

“administrative charge” means the deduction from contributions or
premiums set aside for operations of the Authority ;
“Authority” means the National Health Insurance Authority established
under section 1 of this Act ;
“benefit” means a benefit or advantage of any kind derived from a
scheme ;
“benefit packages” means the services that the Authority defines as
within its scope of coverage ;
“capitation” means a payment made to a primary health care provider
on behalf of a contributor for services to be rendered by the Health Care
Provider and this payment is made regularly and in advance irrespective of
whether the enrollee utilises the service or not ;
“Council” means the Governing Council established under section 4 of
this Act ;
“employee” means any person who is ordinarily resident in Nigeria and
is employed in the public or private service or an apprenticeship with an
employer whether the contract is express or implied, oral or in writing ;
“employer” means an employer with five or more employees which
includes the Federal, State and Local Government or any extra-ministerial
department or a person with whom an employee has entered into a contract
of service or apprenticeship and who is responsible for the payment of the
wages or salaries of the employee including the lawful representative,
successor or assignee of that person ;
“enrollee” means a person who has enrolled with the Authority and
who, being up to date with payment of premium, is entittled to access health
care in accordance with the benefit package ;
“fee-for-service” means payment made directly for completed health
care services, not included in the capitation fees and paid to a health care
facility or prescription following appropriate referrals or professionals
following appropriate referrals or prescriptions sent to them by health care
providers under this Act ;
“functions” includes powers and duties ;
“Health Care Facility” means any government or private health care
facility, hospital, maternity centre, pharmacy or physiotherapy and includes
all primary health care facility, secondary health care facility and tertiary
health care facility accredited by the Authority for the provision of prescribed
health services for insured persons and their dependants under this Act ;
 National Health Insurance Authority Act, 2022 2022 No. 17 A 651

“Health Maintenance Organisation” means an organisation accredited

under section 33 of this Act to perform the functions stipulated under this
Act and has the acronym ‘HMO’ ;
“informal sector programme” means health insurance plans designed
to cover people not on regular income ;
“insured person” means any person and eligible dependant who pays
the required contribution or for whom contribution is made under this Act ;
“Minister” means the Minister responsible for health ;
“Ministry” means the Federal Ministry of Health ;
“Mutual Health Association” means a group accredited by the Authority
to perform such roles as defined in the Act and has the acronym ‘MHA’ ;
“persons” includes persons, organisations, institutions or groups ;
“premium” means a contribution payable for health coverage under this
Act ;
“Public Service of the Federation” and “Public Service of a State”
have the meaning respectively assigned to them in the Constitution ;
“scheme” means any Health Insurance Scheme approved by the
Authority ;
“States and Federal Capital Territory Office” means offices
established by the Authority in the States of the Federation and the Federal
Capital Territory ;
“Third Party Administrators” means any organisation with expertise
and capability to administer all or a portion of the insurance claims process,
including administration of claims, collection of premiums, enrolment and
other administrative activities, which is registered by the Authorityand has
the acronym ‘TPA’ ;
“vulnerable group” include children under five, pregnant women, the
aged, physically and mentally challenged and the indigent as may be defined
from time to time ; and
“wage” means remuneration in money paid to an employee under his
contract of service or apprenticeship, as the case may be and whether
agreed to be paid at fixed or determined intervals of time.
60. This Act may be cited as the National Health Insurance Authority Citation.
Act, 2022.
A 652 2022 No. 17 National Health Insurance Authority Act, 2022

I, certify, in accordance with Section 2 (1) of the Acts Authentication Act,

Cap. A2, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, that this is a true copy of
the Bill passed by both Houses of the National Assembly.

OJO O. A., fnia, fcia

Clerk to the National Assembly
21st Day of April, 2022.

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM
This Act repeals the National Health Insurance Scheme Act, Cap. N42, Laws
of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and enacts the National Health Insurance
Authority Act, to ensure an effective implementation of a national health
insurance policy that ensures the attainment of Universal Health Coverage in
Nigeria.
 SCHEDULE TO THE NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE AUTHORITY BILL, 2022
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
Short Title Long Title of the Summary of the Date Passed by Date Passed by
of the Bill Bill Contents of the Bill the Senate the House of
Representatives
National An Act to repeal the National Health This Bill repeals the National Health 1st December, 3rd March, 2022.
Health Insurance Scheme Act, Cap. N42, Insurance Scheme Act, Cap. N42, Laws 2021.
Insurance Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and to
Authority 2004, and to enact the National Health enacts the National Health Insurance
Bill, 2022. Insurance Authority Act, 2022 to Authority Act, 2022 to provide for the
provide for the promotion, regulation promotion, regulation and integration of
and integration of health insurance health insurance schemes in Nigeria.
schemes in Nigeria ; and for related
matters.

I certify that this Bill has been carefully compared by me with the decision reached by the National Assembly and found by me to be
National Health Insurance Authority Act, 2022

true and correct decision of the Houses and is in accordance with the provisions of the Acts Authentication Act Cap. A2, Laws of
the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
I ASSENT
OJO O. A., fnia, fcia
Clerk to the National Assembly
LS 21st Day of April, 2022.
2022 No. 17

MUHAMMADU BUHARI, GCFR

President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
19th Day of May, 2022.
A 653