The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has called for strict enforcement of compliance with the provisions of the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency Law, 2021, particularly as it concerns the mandatory contributions and enrollment into the State Health Insurance Scheme.
This followed the adoption of a motion titled “Need to Enforce Mandatory Contributions and Compliance with the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency Law”, sponsored by the member representing Ibiono Ibom state constituency, Hon Moses Essien, during Tuesday’s plenary.
Presenting the motion, Hon. Essien expressed concern over the widespread refusal of many contractors, corporate bodies, and employers, including Hensek Integrated Services, Setraco Nigeria Ltd, U & K Limited, Amitec Construction Limited, and Bulletin Construction, among others, to comply with the law mandating them to enroll their employees in the State Health Insurance Scheme.
He noted that the Law makes health insurance compulsory for employees all corporate organisations with offices or operational presence in Akwa Ibom State.
According to him, the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency Law, 2021 is empowered to guarantee equitable access to quality and affordable healthcare services for all residents of the state and to reduce out-of-pocket health expenditure.
Essien further explained that, according to the law, contractors executing government contracts are required to remit one percent of the contract sum into the Health Fund for state government contracts valued at ₦50 million and above, and for local government contracts valued at ₦15 million and above.
He said, “Section 44(8) of the Law prescribes that failure or neglect by an employer to enroll employees into the Scheme constitutes a criminal offence, punishable upon conviction by imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, or a fine of not less than ₦5 million or both fine and imprisonment”.
He warned that the non-compliance not only weakens healthcare financing, but also denies citizens access to quality healthcare and frustrates the state’s drive towards Universal Health Coverage under the Arise Care Programme of Governor Umo Eno as captured in his ARISE Agenda Blueprint.
Adopting the motion, the House urged the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency to immediately intensify enforcement of all mandatory contribution and enrollment provisions of the law.
The House also urged all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure strict compliance with Section 29 of the Law by enforcing the deduction and remittance of one percent health insurance contribution from all qualifying government contracts before payment is made.
It also mandated the House Committee on Health to conduct oversight and periodic compliance reviews, while encouraging sustained public sensitisation and stakeholder engagement to enhance awareness of the legal obligations, benefits, and sanctions under the Health Insurance Law.
The motion for discussion was seconded by the Chief Whip, Rt. Hon. Effiong Johnson. Lawmakers emphasised that enforcing compliance would not only promote the health and well-being of Akwa Ibom workers but also strengthen the state’s health insurance system and reduce the burden on public hospitals.
The motion was widely supported by members, including the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem, Hon. Eric Akpan (Nsit Ibom), Hon. Selina Ukpatu (Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo) and Hon. Lawrence Udoide (Ini) who described it as timely and necessary to ensure accountability in the private sector’s role in state’s healthcare delivery.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong, directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs. Nsikak Abasi Orok, to formally remind the State Government of the necessity to enforce the state Health Insurance Agency law for the benefit of the populace.
