Hussaini Umar
In a milestone move for media welfare, members of the House of Representatives Press Corps have been officially enrolled into the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS). The initiative, sponsored by the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Akin Rotimi, provides one full year of comprehensive health coverage for over 100 journalists covering the National Assembly.
The sponsorship serves as a practical response to the high-pressure environment of legislative reporting, where journalists often work grueling hours—sometimes until 10:00 PM—to ensure public accountability.
The Health Insurance Data Map: Coverage at a Glance
This initiative utilizes the FCT Health Insurance Scheme’s “Adopt and Enroll” program, a model designed to reduce out-of-pocket medical spending through social solidarity.
| Metric | Details |
| Beneficiaries | 100+ Journalists (House Press Corps) |
| Coverage Period | One Full Year (2026) |
| Premium Value | ₦22,500 per person/annum |
| Key Partners | House Committee on Media + FCT Health Services Secretariat |
A Shift Toward Preventive Healthcare
Beyond the financial coverage, the initiative emphasizes a cultural shift toward preventive medicine. Lawmakers and health officials, including the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dolapo Fasawe, highlighted that early detection and routine screenings are now accessible to the press corps without the barrier of immediate financial hardship.
Akin Rotimi noted that this gesture aligns with the 10th Assembly’s commitment to prioritizing the wellbeing of “critical stakeholders” in the legislative process.
