Nigeria Mandates Health Coverage for Gig Workers

Millions of gig workers across Nigeria just gained a safety net they've never had before.

The National Health Insurance Authority announced that all app-based transport and logistics companies must provide health insurance coverage to their independent contractors. The directive, issued on May 15, 2026, covers ride-hailing drivers, food delivery riders, and logistics workers who currently pay all healthcare costs out of pocket.

The move follows a presidential order from September 2025 requiring mandatory health insurance for all Nigerians and legal residents. Now, companies operating ride-hailing apps, food delivery services, and logistics platforms must ensure their workers can access healthcare coverage.

Compliance with the health insurance requirement will become necessary for obtaining business licenses and permits. The National Health Insurance Authority warned that failure to meet these obligations violates the NHIA Act 2022, which made health insurance compulsory nationwide.

Nigeria's gig economy has exploded in recent years as more people turn to platform work for income. Rising urbanization, unemployment, and the growth of digital services created thousands of jobs through companies like Uber, Bolt, and various delivery startups.

The Ripple Effect

This policy shift addresses a critical gap in worker protection. Most gig workers operate as independent contractors rather than employees, leaving them without employer-backed insurance or social security benefits. Many drivers and riders have struggled to afford medical care when injured or sick, creating financial hardship for their families.

The 2022 National Health Insurance Authority Act replaced older legislation and expanded efforts toward Universal Health Coverage. State governments are establishing their own health insurance schemes to widen access to healthcare services across the country.

Despite the legal framework, millions of Nigerians still lack formal health insurance coverage. Out-of-pocket spending remains the primary way most people pay for healthcare, often forcing families to choose between treatment and other basic needs.

The new directive brings gig workers into the formal health insurance system, potentially improving healthcare access for hundreds of thousands of platform workers and their families. For drivers and riders who previously avoided medical care due to cost, this change could mean earlier diagnosis, better treatment outcomes, and financial protection during illness.

Nigeria takes a major step toward protecting its growing workforce in the digital age.