The Mandate Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe has approved 150 free health insurance enrollments for members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council.
This is in an effort to improve journalists’ access to quality healthcare.
The Permanent Secretary of the Secretariat, Dr. Babagana Adam, also pledged to sponsor an additional 50 journalists annually as his personal contribution in honour of his late brother, Mohammed Alkali.
Alkali was a former Head of the Press and Public Relations Unit at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development who died in the line of duty.
The announcement was made in Abuja when the leadership of the NUJ FCT Council paid a courtesy visit to the Health Services and Environment Secretariat.
With the combined pledges, a total of 200 journalists are expected to benefit from the free enrolment under the FCT Health Insurance Scheme, while stakeholders are being encouraged to support the expansion of the initiative.
Dr. Fasawe described the gesture as part of ongoing efforts by the FCTA to expand affordable healthcare access and advance Universal Health Coverage across the Federal Capital Territory, noting that the media remains a critical partner in health promotion and public enlightenment.
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She emphasised that health promotion focuses on prevention, explaining that journalists who benefit from the insurance scheme would help amplify awareness on the importance of health coverage among residents.
According to her, the FCT Health Insurance Scheme guarantees enrolees access to healthcare services for one year at accredited facilities upon payment of an annual premium of ₦22,500, covering services including antenatal care, delivery, surgeries and emergency treatment.
Dr. Fasawe acknowledged that poor health-seeking behaviour among residents is often driven by financial constraints and lack of trust in the healthcare system, stressing that the administration is committed to rebuilding confidence through improved service delivery.
In his remarks, Dr. Adam said his personal sponsorship would prioritise vulnerable journalists unable to afford healthcare while calling for stronger collaboration with private sector partners and philanthropists to further expand enrolment coverage.
He noted that welfare challenges within parts of the media industry affect professional performance and emphasised the need for sustained support for journalists.
Responding, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, commended the FCTA Health Insurance Scheme for reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses and promoting inclusive access to medical services.