By Gift ChapiOdekina, Abuja

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council has flagged off a health insurance scheme for journalists in Abuja, in a move aimed at improving the welfare and healthcare access of media practitioners in the territory.

The initiative, launched in collaboration with the FCT Health Insurance Scheme and supported by key stakeholders, will initially provide health insurance coverage for hundreds of journalists working in the nation’s capital.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, described the programme as a historic milestone for the union, noting that it marks the first time the council is implementing a dedicated health insurance initiative for its members.

According to her, journalists play a crucial role in shaping national conversations and holding leaders accountable, yet their welfare, particularly healthcare, is often neglected.

“Journalism is a noble profession, but the lives behind the bylines must also be protected. The men and women who report the nation’s stories deserve a system that also protects their own,” she said.

Ike explained that the scheme was made possible through the support of several stakeholders, including the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Information, Hon. Akin Rotimi Jnr, who initiated the programme.

She also commended the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, for providing 150 free health insurance slots for journalists, as well as the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Babagana Adam, who sponsored an additional 50 journalists in memory of his late brother, Mohammed Alkali.

The NUJ chairman noted that the initiative would ease the financial burden of healthcare on journalists and encourage them to prioritise their health while continuing to serve society.

“This initiative will not only improve the lives of journalists but will also help highlight the importance of health insurance among residents of the Federal Capital Territory,” she added.

In his remarks, the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, said the introduction of health insurance for journalists was a fulfilment of one of his campaign promises to improve the welfare of media practitioners across the country.

He noted that research indicates that less than one per cent of journalists in Nigeria currently have any form of insurance coverage.

Yahya said the scheme would help reduce maternal mortality, significantly cut out-of-pocket medical expenses, and contribute to Nigeria’s efforts to expand universal health coverage.

“Through health insurance, we can reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses by up to 95 per cent while ensuring journalists and their families have access to quality medical services,” he said.

Also speaking, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, stressed that access to basic healthcare is a necessity rather than a luxury.

She noted that the scheme is part of the administration’s broader commitment to expanding healthcare coverage and improving public health outcomes in the territory.

Fasawe also announced that antenatal care, delivery services, including caesarean sections, are now provided free of charge for pregnant women, particularly vulnerable groups, at designated primary healthcare centres in the FCT.

According to her, about 480 journalists have already been enrolled under the health insurance scheme through contributions from various stakeholders, representing about 65 per cent of journalists in the FCT.

She added that an additional 50 slots have been approved, with plans underway to ensure that all registered journalists in the FCT are covered under the scheme in the coming weeks.

Fasawe urged political office holders, corporate organisations, religious leaders and philanthropists to support the initiative by sponsoring health insurance for journalists.

“Buy health insurance for a journalist today and you are supporting the people who help amplify your voice to the public,” she said.

The NUJ leadership expressed optimism that the programme would serve as a model for other states and contribute to the broader goal of ensuring that journalists across Nigeria have access to quality healthcare.