FAAN workers protest compulsory NHIS enrolment directive
Employees of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria have raised concerns and expressed dissatisfaction following management’s decision to make enrolment in the National Health Insurance Scheme compulsory for all members of staff.
The workers said participation in the scheme had historically been optional, noting that the sudden shift to mandatory enrolment sparked anxiety among employees who believed adequate consultation and sensitisation were not conducted before the directive was issued.
The development followed an internal memo obtained by our correspondent, dated February 17, 2026, with reference number FAAN/HQ/DHR&A/2026/Vol. 1.25, and signed by the Director of Human Resources and Administration and Chairman of the FAAN NHIS-HMO Committee, Dr Emiola Olatunbosun.
Titled “Reminder: Link for Registration for Choice of Health Maintenance Organisation”, the memo directed all staff to select their preferred Health Maintenance Organisation from three approved providers, namely AXA Mansard, Leadway Health, and AVON HMO.
According to the memo, the directive aligns with a Federal Government policy mandating wider participation in the national health insurance programme, now administered by the National Health Insurance Authority.
Management further stated that possession of a valid National Identification Number is compulsory as part of the documentation required for onboarding.
The memo read partly, “All staff are hereby reminded that having a valid National Identification Number is mandatory and forms part of the required documentation for onboarding under the NHIS scheme. Staff are therefore advised to ensure that their NIN is readily available.”
It added that the commencement date for staff onboarding by the NHIA would be communicated in due course.
Despite the directive, several employees have called for greater transparency, urging management to clearly explain the financial implications, healthcare coverage, and long-term benefits of compulsory enrolment.
One employee, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the lack of authorisation to speak on the matter, said many workers remain uncertain about what the scheme offers.
“Most FAAN staff are not part of the NHIS for various reasons. First, we don’t know how much medication each staff member, including their spouse and four children, is entitled to in a year.
“In terms of drugs, what are the quality and quantity a staff member is entitled to receive? What happens to a staff member who does not activate their plan within a year?”
The worker added that employees nearing retirement are particularly worried about losing the flexibility previously associated with voluntary participation.
“Some of us have just a few years left in service. I think enlistment in the NHIS should remain optional so that those who do not activate theirs can receive something at the end of the year,” the employee stated.
Another worker, who also insisted on not giving his name for fear of victimisation, questioned why the scheme is being mandated, appealing to management to make it optional.
“They are the ones that make us suspect them. Why mandate it? It is not today that NHIS came into existence. Making this optional will not violate any law. At least we have been treating ourselves before now.”
A number of other staff members also raised concerns over the development, appealing to the government to make the scheme optional.
They also urged FAAN management to organise a comprehensive enlightenment and sensitisation programme to address lingering questions and build confidence before full implementation of the policy.
Efforts to speak with the spokesperson for FAAN, Henry Agbebire, were unsuccessful as of press time, as calls and text messages sent to him were not responded to.
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