Members of the House of Representatives Press Corps have been enrolled into the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Scheme following the sponsorship of one-year health coverage by the Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Akin Rotimi.
The symbolic presentation of enrolment identity cards took place at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, where stakeholders described the gesture as ‘a milestone in strengthening journalists welfare and advancing Nigeria’s drive toward universal health coverage.’
Speaking at the event, the House Spokesman said the initiative aligns with the commitment of the 10th Assembly to deepen engagement with the media and prioritise the wellbeing of journalists who cover legislative proceedings.
Mr Rotimi noted that the health insurance support underscores the Assembly’s recognition of the critical role the media plays in promoting transparency, accountability and democratic governance.
He acknowledged the support of the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, Mr. Abbas Tajudeen, noting that the Press Corps plays a critical role in the country’s legislative process.
He said; “the intervention recognised the demanding nature of journalism, particularly for reporters who work long hours covering parliamentary activities.”
“We consider them a very critical stakeholder in the legislative affairs of this country,” he said.
Mr. Rotimi emphasised the importance of preventive healthcare and encouraged beneficiaries to prioritise routine medical screening and early detection.
“You do a lot of work. And I know sometimes up until 9, 10 in the night, they take a lot of time doing this work. And sometimes you just get home, you’re tired. You don’t prioritise yourself trying to ensure that you’re doing your constitutional mandate. But sometimes you have to look out for yourself. Because we need you to be strong and healthy to be able to continue to discharge your mandate,” the Spokesman explained.
He explained that the initiative was designed to provide sustainable healthcare access while encouraging wider participation in health insurance coverage across society.
“What you’re seeing today is a step in the direction that we hope others will take the cue from,” he said.
Stakeholders at the ceremony commended the intervention, describing it as a practical step toward improving working conditions for journalists and encouraging sustained collaboration between the legislature and the press.
In her remarks, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dolapo Fasawe, described the sponsorship as a significant contribution to expanding healthcare access.
Represented by the the Permanent Secretary, Dr Baba-Gaba Adam, she said; “It gives me immense pleasure to express our profound appreciation to the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Akin Rotimi, for his remarkable and generous decision to enroll the entire Press Corps of the Nigeria House of Representatives into the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS) for one full year.”
Fasawe also said the intervention supports the FCT Health Insurance Scheme’s “Adopt and Enroll” programme, which encourages individuals and organisations to sponsor health insurance for others.
She said; “This noble gesture is not only commendable; it is visionary. By voluntarily sponsoring the health insurance coverage of the press corps, Mr Rotimi has demonstrated exemplary leadership, compassion, and a deep commitment to the welfare of those who serve our nation through information and public accountability. A healthy press is vital to a healthy democracy, and this act ensures that those who keep us informed can access quality healthcare without financial hardship.”
Fasawe noted that the scheme provides access to quality healthcare services at an annual premium of ₦22,500 per person and urged other leaders and institutions to emulate the example.
“Through shared responsibility and social solidarity, we can reduce out-of-pocket spending and build a healthier, more productive society,” she added.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Mr. Chike Okafor, described the intervention as historic and commended the leadership of the 10th Assembly for supporting the initiative.
“I am particularly pleased that it is happening in the 10th Assembly,” he said.
Okafor, who previously chaired the House Committee on Healthcare Services, underscored the value of health insurance in protecting citizens from catastrophic health costs.
He said; “My purpose here is to support my friend and colleague as he marks this important milestone of enrolling over one hundred members of the Press Corps into a health insurance programme.”
Okafor said health insurance remains one of the most effective mechanisms for expanding healthcare access and improving welfare outcomes.
On his part, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Mr. Gboyega Onadiran, described the programme as a practical step toward universal health coverage in Nigeria.
Onadiran said; “Health insurance remains one of the most effective tools to protect families from catastrophic health expenses. As journalists, we are witnesses to the realities many Nigerians face when healthcare is not affordable.”
He expressed appreciation to Rotimi and the FCT Health Services Secretariat for the collaboration that made the initiative possible.
Onadiran said; “Today’s initiative is a practical step in that direction. It demonstrates that achieving universal coverage requires partnership, commitment, and deliberate action.”
He urged organisations and professional bodies to prioritise the health of their members by embracing structured health insurance schemes.
The beneficiaries described the intervention as a demonstration of how legislative leadership, health authorities and the media community can collaborate to advance public welfare while strengthening democratic institutions.