The National Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), led by its National President, Alhassan Yahya, has paid a courtesy visit to the Director General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
The visit was aimed at deepening collaboration between the NUJ and NHIA in advancing healthcare delivery and expanding health insurance coverage for journalists and Nigerians in general.
In his remarks, NUJ President Alhassan Yahya commended the NHIA and its leadership for their efforts in providing affordable health insurance premiums and quality healthcare services, particularly for low-income earners. He, however, stressed the need for stronger synergy between both institutions to effectively communicate ongoing reforms and enhance public awareness.
Yahya also proposed a partnership with the NHIA to train journalists across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with the goal of building their capacity for accurate and impactful reporting on health insurance and healthcare issues.
The NUJ President further appealed for the inclusion of journalists—especially those in private media organizations—under affordable health insurance plans. He called on the NHIA to consider the peculiar challenges faced by journalists in the informal sector and ensure their access to quality healthcare services.
In his response, NHIA Director General Dr. Kelechi Ohiri expressed appreciation for the NUJ leadership’s visit and reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to partnering with the Union. He described Alhassan Yahya as a “guru in health reporting” and highlighted the long-standing relationship between the NHIA and the NUJ.
Dr. Ohiri pledged to work closely with the Union to improve sensitization and accountability in the implementation of health insurance programs. He directed his directors to liaise with the NUJ to design affordable premium plans tailored to the needs of journalists, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to enhance healthcare delivery and insurance coverage for all Nigerians.
He also urged the NUJ to develop a detailed proposal for the proposed capacity-building program for journalists to strengthen their understanding and reportage of health insurance matters.
The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of both organizations to promote universal health coverage and ensure journalists—and Nigerians by extension—have access to quality healthcare services.
The visit further reflects NHIA’s dedication to implementing key national health initiatives such as the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), and the Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS), all aimed at reducing out-of-pocket expenses and providing financial protection for families.
The NUJ’s advocacy for affordable health insurance for media practitioners underscores the vital role of journalists in national development and the importance of their well-being in performing their duties effectively.
Both parties concluded the meeting with a renewed commitment to collaboration and partnership, paving the way for improved healthcare access and insurance coverage for journalists and Nigerians alike.
