RismadarVoice Reporters
January 21, 2026
Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has called for strict enforcement of the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency Law, 2021, particularly its provisions on mandatory contributions and compulsory enrolment into the State Health Insurance Scheme.
The call followed the adoption of a motion entitled “Need to Enforce Mandatory Contributions and Compliance with the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency Law”, sponsored by the lawmaker representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency, Mr Moses Essien, during Tuesday’s plenary.
Moving the motion, Essien expressed concern over what he described as widespread non-compliance by contractors, corporate organisations, and employers operating in the state.
He named companies including Hensek Integrated Services, Setraco Nigeria Limited, U and K Limited, Amitec Construction Limited, and Bulletin Construction, for failing to enrol their employees in the State Health Insurance Scheme as required by law.
He explained that the law makes health insurance mandatory for all employees of corporate organizations with offices or operational presence in Akwa Ibom State, adding that the scheme is designed to ensure access to quality and affordable healthcare, while significantly reducing out-of-pocket medical expenses.
According to him, the law further mandates contractors handling state government projects valued at ₦50 million and above, and local government projects of ₦15 million and above, to remit one per cent of the contract sum into the State Health Insurance Fund.
Mr. Essien warned that Section 44, Subsection 8 of the law provides that any employer who fails or neglects to enrol employees into the scheme commits a criminal offence, punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment, a fine of not less than ₦5 million, or both.
He noted that persistent non-compliance undermines healthcare financing, denies residents access to quality healthcare services, frustrates the state’s drive towards Universal Health Coverage under Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda.
Adopting the motion, the House urged the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency to intensify enforcement of all mandatory contribution and enrolment provisions of the law.
Lawmakers also directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to strictly comply with Section 29 of the law by ensuring the deduction and remittance of one per cent health insurance contribution from qualifying government contracts before payments are made.
The Assembly further mandated its Committee on Health to conduct regular oversight and compliance reviews, while calling for sustained public sensitization, stakeholders engagement to increase awareness of the law, its benefits, and penalties for defaulters.
In his ruling, Speaker of the House, Elder Udeme Otong, directed the Clerk of the Assembly to write the State Government, reminding it of the need to fully enforce the Health Insurance Agency Law for the overall benefit of the people of Akwa Ibom State.
