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By Tracy Moses
The House of Representatives on Tuesday raised alarm over the persistent challenges affecting the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and its affiliated Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), mandating a comprehensive investigation to overhaul the system and improve healthcare delivery across Nigeria.
This resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Chief Dr. Billy F.A. Osawaru, who expressed deep concern over the ineffective performance of the NHIS, despite the transition to the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act, 2022.
Presenting the motion, Osawaru recalled that the 1999 NHIS Act was replaced with the NHIA Act to ensure mandatory health insurance coverage for all Nigerians and legal residents, as part of efforts to achieve universal health coverage. He, however, lamented that only about 5 percent of Nigerians are currently enrolled in the scheme.
He decried the poor quality of services provided by HMOs, citing limited access to essential medications, poor service delivery, and rising out-of-pocket expenses, even among those already insured.
“Beneficiaries are limited in the kind of treatments they can access,” he stated. “Many are denied surgeries such as cesarean sections or appendectomies, while healthcare providers are left unpaid for months due to delayed remittances by HMOs.”
He further warned that these issues not only threaten the health outcomes of millions but also deepen financial hardship among citizens.
Adopting the motion, the House mandated the Director-General of the NHIA to interface with the Committee on Healthcare Services to assess the impact and challenges of the NHIS and propose solutions. Additionally, the House tasked the Committees on Healthcare Services and Health Institutions to conduct a detailed investigation and report back within four weeks.
Reps also Decry Killing of 13 Travellers in Plateau, Demand Urgent Probe
In another development, the House also condemned in strong terms the brutal killing of thirteen unarmed travellers from Unguwan Rimi Community in Basawa, Sabon Gari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The victims were reportedly attacked and lynched on June 20, 2025, in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State while on their way to attend a wedding ceremony.
The motion, brought under matters of urgent public importance by Rep. Sadiq Ango Abdullahi, described the killings as a “horrific and senseless act” that has left families in deep sorrow and once again underscored the deepening security crisis facing Nigeria.
“These were innocent citizens on a peaceful journey,” Abdullahi said. “Their tragic death reflects the alarming trend of inter-state violence and banditry that continues to threaten national peace and unity.”
The lawmaker expressed frustration over the continued failure of security agencies to prevent such attacks, despite numerous resolutions and assurances in the past.
The House observed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased and resolved to:
Mandate the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS, and the Chief of Army Staff to urgently investigate the incident and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Urge the Federal Government to strengthen inter-state security coordination to safeguard the lives of travellers.
Call on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to affected families and survivors.
Constitute an ad-hoc committee to investigate the recurring killings along that route and report back to the House within 14 days.
Mandate the Committees on Police Affairs, Army, National Security, Intelligence, and Legislative Compliance to monitor and ensure implementation of the resolutions.
The lawmakers reiterated that the protection of lives and property remains a fundamental responsibility of the government as enshrined in Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).