…Secure One-Year Health Cover for Parliamentary Journalists
The House of Representatives has facilitated the enrolment of members of its Press Corps into the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS).
The initiative marks a significant step toward strengthening institutional capacity and promoting the welfare of parliamentary correspondents, and is regarded as a first-of-its-kind intervention within Nigeria’s parliamentary system.
Under the one-year health insurance package, facilitated by the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, an FHIS identification card was symbolically presented to the Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps (HoRPC) at an enrolment ceremony held at the National Assembly Complex. The card was received on behalf of 130 media professionals covering the activities of the House.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Committee on Media and Public Affairs and House Spokesman, Rep. Akintunde Rotimi, attributed the initiative to the leadership of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, for fostering an institutional culture that prioritises open engagement and enhances the capacity of the Press Corps to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities.
“We recognise that the Press Corps works just as hard as we do in amplifying legislative activities. You are critical stakeholders in our democracy, and this initiative reflects our commitment to your welfare and professional development,” Rotimi said.
The FCT Mandate Secretary for Health and Environmental Services, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Baba-Gana Adam, said the gesture aligns with the FHIS “Adopt and Enrol” programme, which promotes shared responsibility in advancing universal health coverage.
She explained that the programme encourages philanthropists, corporate organisations, public office holders and well-meaning Nigerians to pay health insurance premiums on behalf of individuals in their communities.
According to her, it provides a practical pathway toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and ensuring that no one is left behind. She urged other leaders and institutions to emulate the example set by the House.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Mr. Gboyega Onadiran, described the intervention as a practical demonstration of commitment to universal health coverage. Similarly, Chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, said the gesture reinforces recognition of journalists as valued partners in democratic governance.
Other speakers at the ceremony, including Rep. Chike John Okafor, a member of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, and Dr. Salamatu Belgore, Acting Director of the FHIS, commended the initiative and expressed appreciation for what they described as a landmark welfare intervention.
The insurance coverage extends to members of the House of Representatives Press Corps, parliamentary media teams and executives of the NUJ FCT Council.
The House reiterated its commitment to fostering a productive working environment for stakeholders who support legislative transparency and accountability, noting that a well-supported press corps is vital to strengthening democratic governance and public trust.
