NUJ-FCT launches landmark health insurance drive, over 200 Journalists enrolled

By Stanley Onyekwere

In a major boost to media welfare in Nigeria’s capital, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council has officially flagged off a health insurance drive initiative , providing immediate coverage for over 200 practitioners.
​The initiative, a campaign promise fulfilled by the Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, was launched during the NUJ FCT Congress in Abuja.
The scheme is designed to tackle the high out-of-pocket medical expenses faced by media professionals, who are often among the first responders in national discourse but remain under-protected.
​Speaking at the launch, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, challenged the private sector and political elite to “adopt” journalists through insurance sponsorship.
​“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 publi,” , Fasawe urged.
​She emphasized that while 480 out of an estimated 800 journalists in the FCT are nearing coverage through various interventions, full coverage remains the goal.
Dr. Fasawe also used the platform to reiterate the FCT Administration’s “zero-tolerance” policy toward maternal mortality under Minister Nyesom Wike, noting that free antenatal care and delivery services are now accessible at primary healthcare centers across the territory.
​Earlier , ​Comrade Grace Ike described the launch as a “historic moment,” noting that this is the first time the council has successfully implemented a dedicated health framework for its members.
​“Journalists amplify the voices of citizens and draw attention to pressing issues, yet their own welfare is frequently overlooked.
“This initiative reduces the financial burden of healthcare and encourages our members to prioritize their health”, Ike stated.
​The initiative received significant initial backing from several key figures:
​Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe: Provided 150 free slots, followed by a surprise announcement of an additional 50.
​Dr. Babagana Adam (the immediate past Permanent Secretary of FCT Health Secretariat), pledged 50 slots in memory of his late brother, Mohammed Alkali.
​Hon. Akin Rotimi Jr. (House Chair on Information): Commended for his advocacy and foundational support of the scheme.
​Not left out, the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, lauded the FCT Council’s leadership, citing a sobering statistic: less than 1% of Nigerian journalists currently have health insurance.
According to him: ​“Insurance is critical to our job,.”Through this, we move closer to achieving universal health coverage and protecting those who protect our democracy.”
​The event, attended by over 450 members and the Director of the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS), Dr. Salamatu Belgore, concluded with beneficiaries praising the intervention as a “life-saving” shift in union leadership priorities.