NUJ FCT Introduces Health Insurance Programme for Media Workers

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has launched a health insurance scheme aimed at improving access to healthcare for media professionals in Abuja.

The initiative, unveiled during an NUJ FCT Congress in Abuja, is designed to provide journalists with affordable healthcare coverage under the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS). The programme is part of efforts by the union’s leadership to prioritise the welfare and wellbeing of journalists who often face health risks while carrying out their duties.

Speaking at the launch, NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, described the scheme as a historic milestone for the council, noting that it represents a significant step toward safeguarding the health of journalists who play a critical role in informing the public and promoting accountability in society.

Ike said the initiative was made possible through partnerships with stakeholders, including the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, which provided free health insurance slots for journalists. According to her, the programme will reduce the financial burden of medical expenses on media practitioners while encouraging them to prioritise their health.

Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, who supported the initiative, called on political leaders, philanthropists, and organisations to sponsor health insurance coverage for journalists.

Fasawe emphasised that access to healthcare is a fundamental necessity and urged stakeholders to support media professionals who play an important role in informing the public.

She also reiterated the commitment of the FCT Administration to expanding healthcare access in the territory, stressing that universal health coverage can only be achieved through collective responsibility and collaboration among government, private sector actors, and individuals.

Under the initiative, about 150 journalists were initially enrolled into the scheme through free insurance slots provided by the FCT health authorities, while additional sponsorship by stakeholders has increased the number of beneficiaries to about 200 journalists.

The National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, commended the initiative, describing it as a critical intervention that will improve healthcare access for journalists, many of whom currently lack health insurance.

He noted that strengthening journalists’ welfare is essential for promoting professionalism and ensuring the media continues to play its role in democratic governance.

Beneficiaries of the programme also expressed appreciation to the NUJ leadership and health authorities, describing the scheme as a timely intervention that will ease the cost of medical care for media practitioners.