The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) National Welfare Committee made waves as it embarked on a high-level official visit to the Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), a move that may chart a new course for lawyers’ access to quality healthcare in Nigeria.
Led by the formidable Dr. Ogwu J. Onoja, SAN, FCIARB, and supported by the NBA National Welfare Secretary, Auta Nyada, the committee tabled persistent challenges faced by their members under the national health scheme in a robust engagement with the NHIA DG.
After intense deliberations, the NHIA DG delivered on several fronts. Most prominently, he announced that the annual premium of N38,718 for the scheme will remain unchanged for at least the next two years, providing financial relief and certainty for the legal community.
In a further breakthrough, the DG publicly released the dedicated NHIA Enforcement Call Numbers—0808 328 0131 and 0701 389 2438—empowering all lawyers to swiftly report any issues at healthcare facilities. He also revealed that systemic access code difficulties with HMOs, which had long restricted timely care, are now consigned to history. Effective immediately, all hospitals must treat patients after one hour of waiting for authorization, following a bold new NHIA circular.
Dr. Onoja commended the NHIA’s openness and urged lawyers nationwide to “use these toll lines and provide feedback, ensuring that the quality of healthcare for lawyers and all Nigerians only gets better.”
With a promise of improved service and a freeze on premium hikes, the legal profession just scored a significant victory in health and welfare.
For complaints at healthcare facilities, call: 0808 328 0131 or 0701 389 2438.
