In a statement issued on Friday in Lokoja, the Commissioner for Information and Communication Strategy, Kingsley Fanwo, cited the latest 2023 data from StatiSense and EFInA, which revealed that 11% of Kogi’s population is now enrolled in health insurance — the highest rate in the country.
According to the data, Kogi outperformed larger states such as Lagos (9%), Oyo (7%), and the Federal Capital Territory (6%). Fanwo attributed this success to the government’s commitment to providing quality and affordable healthcare for all residents.
He credited the achievement to the efforts of the Kogi State Health Insurance Agency (KGSHIA), led by Kunle Aledare, whose people-centred approach has driven aggressive enrollment, rural outreach, and strategic partnerships for sustainable health financing.
“This approach has allowed thousands of rural and underserved residents to access essential health services without the fear of financial hardship,” Fanwo said, adding that other states are already studying the “Kogi model” as the state moves closer to universal health coverage.
The commissioner noted that Governor Ahmed Ododo’s administration remains committed to building a healthy and productive population as a foundation for sustainable development.
As part of this drive, the government recently signed a landmark agreement with the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), extending affordable insurance to local government staff. Thousands of pensioners have also been enrolled under the state scheme.
Fanwo further disclosed that more than 200 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state are currently being upgraded to improve grassroots access to quality care.
He acknowledged the crucial support of the federal government and other stakeholders in achieving the state’s healthcare goals, pledging that healthcare will remain a top priority in Kogi’s development agenda.
