Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana has called on the Federal Government to fully enforce the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act 2022, saying Nigerians should be able to access healthcare without being pushed into financial hardship.
Falana made the call on Wednesday in Victoria Island, Lagos, during the launch of a N1 billion insurance trust fund designed to provide protection for people working in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
The initiative was launched by Groove Tyme Entertainment in partnership with Meristem, Leadway Assurance and other stakeholders, with certificates also presented to members of the initiative’s Board of Trustees.
Falana commended the initiative, saying Nigeria needs stronger social protection systems to prevent vulnerable citizens from depending on charity when they face serious health or financial challenges.
He recalled that Nigeria established the National Health Insurance Scheme in 1999, but said coverage remained limited to only a small portion of the population.
According to him, the NHIA Act enacted in 2022 was designed to address the gap by providing for mandatory health insurance coverage, and the government should now ensure the law is properly implemented.
“We must sit down and get the government to abide by this law. And that is the only way that you can succeed.”
Falana Calls for Protection of Entertainers
The senior lawyer said entertainers and other workers in the creative industry deserve stronger social protection, particularly because many can become financially vulnerable after their active careers.
He questioned why successful artists, actors and other public figures should end up struggling to afford basic healthcare later in life.
Falana cited the death of veteran actor Deji Aderemi, popularly known as Olofa Ina, who he said died after battling liver cancer, as an example of the difficulties that can confront people without adequate social protection.
He also recalled the struggles faced by some former Nigerian footballers who contributed to the country’s sporting achievements but later experienced financial difficulties.
According to Falana, the new insurance initiative could help entertainers prepare for the future and maintain their dignity beyond their active careers.
“We are taking people out of poverty that do not belong there.”
Lawyer Wants More Insurance Awareness
Falana also urged insurance companies and other stakeholders to intensify public education, saying many Nigerians still have misconceptions about insurance.
He argued that greater awareness would encourage more people to protect themselves financially against unexpected health and other risks.
The lawyer said the government’s responsibility should go beyond offering assistance, insisting that citizens must be able to enjoy rights guaranteed under existing laws.
Falana pledged his support and free legal services to the insurance initiative, promising to help protect it from undue interference.
He expressed hope that the programme would eventually become a model for other African countries by strengthening social protection and encouraging citizens to demand their rights.
Source: Femi Falana / Groove Tyme Entertainment.
