More than 150 journalists in Abuja have been enrolled in the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS), in a move aimed at improving access to healthcare for media professionals in the nation’s capital.
The initiative, driven by the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, also drew a call from the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, for philanthropists, political office holders, religious leaders and business leaders to sponsor health insurance coverage for journalists.
Speaking at the official launch in Abuja, Ike described the programme as a major milestone for the union and a fulfilment of her administration’s commitment to prioritise journalists’ welfare.
“Today marks a historic moment for the Nigeria Union of Journalists, FCT Council,” she said. “For the first time in the history of our council, we are launching a health insurance initiative specifically designed to support the welfare and wellbeing of journalists in the Federal Capital Territory.”
She noted that journalists play a critical role in society by amplifying citizens’ voices and bringing attention to pressing national issues, yet their welfare is often neglected.
Ike expressed appreciation to the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Information, Hon. Akin Rotimi Jr., for supporting the programme and helping to initiate the scheme.
“Your belief that journalists deserve access to quality healthcare has translated into practical action, and we are deeply grateful for your support and advocacy,” she said.
She also commended Dr. Fasawe for providing 150 free health insurance slots for NUJ members, describing the gesture as a strong commitment to journalists’ wellbeing.
“Our sincere gratitude also goes to the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Babagana Adam, who personally pledged to sponsor 50 additional journalists in memory of his late brother, Mohammed Alkali. This touching gesture speaks volumes about your dedication to the welfare of the media community,” Ike added.
According to her, the combined efforts have enabled about 200 journalists in the FCT to benefit from the health insurance coverage.
“As journalists, we understand the power of information. When we experience the benefits of initiatives like this firsthand, we become stronger advocates for the people we serve,” she said.
In her remarks, Fasawe emphasised the importance of universal health coverage and pledged continued support for journalists in the territory.
“Basic healthcare is not a luxury; it is a necessity,” she said. “Health is a collective responsibility, and it must be achievable, affordable and accessible to all.”
She announced an additional 50 health insurance slots for journalists, raising the number of beneficiaries and bringing coverage to about 65 per cent of NUJ members in the FCT.
Fasawe also highlighted the commitment of the FCT Administration under the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to addressing maternal and child mortality.
“In the FCT, our minister has declared absolutely zero tolerance for maternal mortality. There is no reason a woman should labour in vain. There is no reason that at the point of delivery either the mother or the child should suffer harm,” she said.
She disclosed that pregnant women in the territory, particularly the vulnerable, can access free antenatal care and delivery services, including caesarean sections, at primary healthcare centres.
“My purpose of coming here today is to ask political office holders, religious leaders and individuals who want their voices to be heard to buy health insurance for a journalist,” she added.
“Buy health insurance for a member of the press today and you will be heard loud and clear, because you are supporting those who tell your stories to the public.”
Fasawe revealed that about 480 out of the estimated 800 journalists in the FCT are now covered under the scheme and expressed optimism that full coverage would soon be achieved.
Also speaking, the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, described the programme as a crucial intervention for journalists’ welfare.
“Insurance is critical to our job. Through insurance we can reduce maternal deaths, drastically cut out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, and move closer to achieving universal health coverage,” Yahya said.
He noted that studies show less than one per cent of Nigerian journalists currently have any form of health insurance and commended the leadership of the NUJ FCT Council for initiating the programme.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of her husband, the immediate past Permanent Secretary of the FCT Health and Environment Secretariat, Mrs. Babagana Adam assured the union of continued collaboration and urged public-spirited individuals to support journalists.
Some beneficiaries who spoke at the event expressed appreciation to the NUJ FCT Council and the FCT Health Secretariat, describing the scheme as a timely intervention that would help ease the burden of healthcare costs.
The event, held during the NUJ FCT Congress and attended by more than 450 members, also had the Director of the FCT Health Insurance Scheme, Dr. Salamatu Belgore, and other stakeholders in attendance.
The initiative is widely regarded as a significant step toward improving journalists’ welfare and advancing the goal of universal health coverage in the Federal Capital Territory.
