Kogi State has emerged as Nigeria’s top-performing state in insurance coverage for adults, with 11% of its population enrolled, according to new 2023 data from StatiSense and EFInA. This figure places Kogi ahead of Lagos (9%), Oyo (7%), and the Federal Capital Territory (6%), underscoring the state’s commitment to expanding quality, affordable healthcare.

At the center of this progress is the Kogi State Health Insurance Agency (KGSHIA), led by Dr. Kunle Aledare, whose people-centered approach has driven aggressive enrollment, rural outreach, and partnerships that deliver inclusive, sustainable health financing. Thousands of rural and underserved residents can now access essential health services without fear of financial ruin.

Government Spokesperson, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, noted:

“This data confirms that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration is deeply committed to improving the health and wellbeing of Kogites. With Dr. Aledare’s leadership, we are not just building hospitals but a healthcare system that truly works for everyone.”

Fanwo added that other states are already studying the Kogi model as the administration moves closer to universal health coverage.

In a further push to extend affordable healthcare, the Kogi State Government recently signed a landmark pact with the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), providing Local Government staff access to affordable insurance under the state scheme. The Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Folashade Ayoade, signed the agreement on behalf of the state, describing it as a “game changer.”

Fanwo explained that the initiative also covers retirees, with thousands of Kogi pensioners already enrolled and registration ongoing for others.

“We are actively onboarding our retirees, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to ensure cheap, quality, and accessible healthcare for pensioners and low-income earners,” he stated.

To support the rollout, the government is upgrading over 200 Primary Healthcare Centres across the state to guarantee grassroots access to quality care.

Fanwo hailed the Federal Government for its support, assuring civil servants, Local Government workers, and retirees that the Ododo administration will continue to build a healthy, empowered, and productive population as the foundation for sustainable development.

The Lagos State Government has expressed serious concerns over the quality of water consumed by residents in the Lekki area, warning that those relying on boreholes could be drinking contaminated water.

At a recent stakeholders’ meeting, Mahmood Adegbite, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, sounded the alarm over the potential health risks posed by untreated wastewater seeping into underground water sources.

“Everyone digging boreholes within the Lekki axis is probably drinking what I will call ‘shit water,’” Adegbite stated bluntly.

He explained that the government has plans in place to address the issue by expanding wastewater treatment efforts in the area. “If we are able to treat all the wastewater within this axis, we should be able to eradicate any form of disease that might result from non-treatment,” he added.

Adegbite also touched on the ongoing problem of flooding in Lagos, acknowledging that despite significant investment in drainage infrastructure, more work remains.

“Yesterday, it rained heavily, which is unusual because this is supposed to be August break,” he said. “We started having it because of a lot of complex issues. Despite the fact that we have committed so much, we still need to do a lot more in that space.”

The remarks underscore the growing environmental and public health challenges in Lekki, one of Lagos’s rapidly developing urban corridors.

The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NAMMM) has suspended its nationwide warning strike.

A circular titled “Suspension of the Ongoing Nationwide Nurses’ Strike” signed by the association’s National President, Haruna Mamman, and General Secretary, T.A. Shettima, confirmed the development.

The statement said that the decision was made during a virtual meeting of NANNM’s National Executive Council.

“The strike has been suspended. Nurses and midwives are to resume duty immediately,” he confirmed.

It partly reads, “NEC acknowledges the positive steps taken by the Federal Government in responding to the nine core demands of NANNM, particularly the commitment to clear timelines for implementation.

“In view of the formal agreement reached, and in line with the principle of dialogue and good faith, NEC hereby suspends the ongoing nationwide strike action with immediate effect.

“NEC has directed the national leadership to continue monitoring the implementation of the signed MoU and track the government’s compliance with the agreed timelines.

“State councils are directed to mobilise members for the immediate resumption of duty. ..”