Federal civil servants across Nigeria are expressing strong opposition to the government's sudden implementation of health insurance deductions from their October 2025 salaries. Workers describe the move as questionable and unacceptable, particularly due to the lack of prior notification and dialogue.
Widespread Complaints Over Unexplained Salary Cuts
The controversy emerged when federal employees noticed unexplained reductions ranging from N1,000 to N2,000 in their October salaries. The Federal Government later clarified through a circular titled 'Implementation of Statutory Deduction for the National Health Insurance Scheme' that these were mandatory contributions to the NHIS commencing from October 2025.
Many workers discovered the deductions only upon receiving their salaries, with the government's explanation coming afterward. This sequence of events has drawn sharp criticism from labor representatives and affected employees alike.
Labor Union Condemns 'Wage Theft'
Chris Onyeka, Assistant General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), strongly condemned the government's approach. "Skimming off on workers' salaries without dialogue is questionable and highly unacceptable," Onyeka stated. "You cannot deduct and then inform. You notify, dialogue, and then deduct. That is the right order."
Onyeka emphasized that while health insurance for Nigerian workers isn't new, with NLC representation on the national health insurance agency's board for decades, the responsibility should fall on the government rather than being contributed by workers. He demanded that the Federal Government return all deducted amounts and commit to due process concerning worker welfare.
Workers Voice Their Frustrations
Mercy Adams, a federal worker and mother of three from one of the MDAs, shared her experience with The Guardian. "It surprised me upon seeing close to N2000 deduction," she said, noting that while health insurance coverage is the government's duty, "the way the government went about it was not fair enough."
The NHIS represents a social health insurance program designed to provide financial risk protection and access to quality healthcare for Nigerians. The current implementation follows the 2022 mandate requiring all employers and employees in public, private, and informal sectors to obtain health insurance, established when former President Muhammadu Buhari signed the National Health Insurance Authority Bill, 2021, into law.
Government's Position and Historical Context
The government maintains that the NHIS will benefit workers by improving access to affordable and quality healthcare while reducing out-of-pocket medical expenses. Officials note that the scheme already covers approximately 99 percent of federal employees.
During National Assembly debates on the legislation, Dr Yahaya Oloriegbe, the bill's sponsor and former senator representing Kwara Central (2019-2023), stated the law would establish a "robust, affordable and sustainable financial mechanism for health" and enhance Nigeria's pursuit of Universal Health Coverage by 2030.
Despite these stated benefits, the implementation method has created significant tension between the government and its workforce, highlighting ongoing challenges in public sector labor relations and social policy execution.
