By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) President, Alhassan Yahaya, has intensified drive to improve the welfare of media professionals by prioritising health insurance coverage for members across the country.
Speaking at an interactive session with journalists in Calabar, Cross River State, on Saturday, Yahaya reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring members, particularly veterans, gain access to affordable and reliable healthcare services.
Yahaya explained that with a modest annual premium of ₦15,000, journalists could access primary, secondary, and tertiary health services without the burden of heavy out-of-pocket expenses.
He urged members to subscribe to the state health insurance schemes established across the country, describing it as a vital step towards universal health coverage.
“This initiative is in line with Nigeria’s policy requiring each state to establish a health insurance agency to address maternal mortality, reduce out-of-pocket health spending, and improve access to quality healthcare. Journalists, considering the demands of our profession, must take advantage of it,” Yahaya stated.
He noted that the union is also working on a Media Enhancement Bill aimed at improving remuneration and welfare packages for journalists nationwide, with health insurance serving as a critical component.
The NUJ president encouraged members to rally behind the initiatives, stressing that safeguarding their health and professional well-being is central to strengthening journalism in Nigeria.
