The Federal Government has directed companies in Nigeria’s ride-hailing, food delivery, and logistics sectors to ensure their workers are covered by health insurance.
In a directive issued on May 15, 2026, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) stated that all platform operators must enrol their workers in health insurance schemes. This move aligns with a presidential directive from September 2025 mandating health insurance for all Nigerians and legal residents.
The NHIA noted that the order is backed by the NHIA Act of 2022, which makes health insurance compulsory. It applies to workers classified as independent contractors or self-employed individuals operating on digital platforms.
According to the agency, companies must ensure that all workers on their platforms have access to health coverage. It also warned that compliance will be required to obtain licences, permits, and other regulatory approvals.
Failure to comply, the NHIA said, would constitute a violation of the law.
The directive was signed by Ajodi N.N. on behalf of the NHIA Director-General.
This development comes amid increasing concerns about the welfare of gig economy workers, such as ride-hailing drivers and delivery riders, who often pay for healthcare out of pocket due to the lack of employer-supported insurance.
Nigeria’s app-based transport and logistics sector has grown rapidly in recent years, driven by urbanisation, unemployment, and the rise of digital platforms like Uber and Bolt. However, the classification of workers as independent contractors has sparked ongoing debates about labour rights, social protection, and access to benefits.
The NHIA Act, introduced in 2022, replaced the previous health insurance framework and aims to expand access to healthcare through mandatory insurance and state-level health schemes.
