In order to get to the root of the crisis in the National Health Insurance scheme (NHIS),the federal government has set up a seven man team to investigate the causes of the frequent face off between the management led by the suspended Executive secretary of the scheme Professor Yusuf Usman and stakeholders in health sub sector.
This decision according to the federal government is to ensure that the objective for establishing the parastatals are met and that they deliver services faster and better to Nigerians.
The Membership of the Panel include:
(i) Dr. Hassan Bukar – Chairman
(ii) Dr. Emmanuel Meribole – Member
Director, HPRS, FMH
(iii) Mr. Adewale Owolo – Member
Director, Audit, (AuGF)
(iv) Mr. Shamsuddeen Bello, – Member
Deputy Director Expenditure (OAGF)
(v) Mr. Ishaq Yahaya – Member
Director, Certification & Compliance,
BPP
(vi) Dr. Ekanem John Udoh
Director of Science (FMS&T) – Member
(vii) Mrs. Jummai Idakwo – Member/Secretary
Director, Administration (OSGF)
‘It has also considered it necessary to restate that the roles of Governing Boards/Councils, are as prescribed by the statutes, guidelines and extant circulars and that the position of Chief Executives of Parastatals is to ensure that policies of Government as enunciated by Boards and Councils are implemented in accordance with their mandate.
Another reason for federal government latest action is its discovery of what it described as
‘ the growing tension between Boards and Chief Executives and their attendant implications for governance. For the avoidance of doubt, government will neither tolerate acts of indiscipline from any appointee nor will it habour any acts of corruption. Government will however ensure that due process is followed strictly in trying to maintain discipline and probity in public service.’
The federal government declared today that in view of the recent developments at the National Health Insurance Scheme,President Muhammad Buhari ‘has after due consideration approved the establishment of the above independent fact-finding panel to investigate the alleged infractions by the Executive Secretary and report back within two weeks.
The terms of reference of the 7mman committee is as follows
TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)
(I) To investigate the alleged infractions listed by the NHIS Governing Council in letter dated 18th October, 2018 and determine the extent of culpability or otherwise of the Executive Secretary with regards to the allegations;
(II) To make appropriate recommendations based on the findings from TOR I above;
(III) To identify, investigate and make recommendations with regards to issues that led to the unhealthy relationship between the Board and the CEO;
(IV) Investigate and make recommendations on the extent of involvement of staff Unions’ within the institution as to the current impasse between the Governing Board and Executive Secretary; and
(V) To examine all governance challenges in the NHIS and make appropriate recommendations.
. The Panel which is headed by a retired Permanent Secretary will be inaugurated by the SGF on Friday, 2nd November, adding that with the new panel the earlier body set up by the Governing Council stands dissolved.
However,In order to create room for an unfettered investigation, President Buhari has approved that the Executive Secretary of the NHIS, Prof. Usman Yusuf should proceed on administrative leave immediately while In his absence, Mr. Ben Omogo, a Director of Administration in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has been deployed to oversee the affairs of the Scheme.
