Kogi Health Insurance Agency Seeks Ministry Approval to Enroll LGA Workers in Formal Sector Plan »

The Kogi State Health Insurance Agency (KGSHIA) is seeking formal approval from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to enroll local government workers and their dependents into the agency’s formal sector health insurance plan.

The initiative, led by the Kogi State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams, points to the government’s commitment to equitable healthcare for all tiers of civil servants in the state. Dr. Adams, accompanied by the Executive Secretary of KGSHIA, Dr. Aledare Adekunle, Permanent Members, and senior Agency officials on Thursday, met with the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr. Ozigi Momoh Deedat, and other key figures of the ministry to seek their consent for implementation.

Addressing the purpose of the engagement, Dr. Adams stressed the growing demand from local government workers to benefit from the state’s health insurance scheme, an initiative already positively impacting state-level civil servants and their families.

“The outcry from local government workers to be included in the program is overwhelming,” Dr. Adams said. “As the administration of Governor Usman Ododo remains committed to the welfare of every civil servant in the state, it is only fair that local government staff and their dependents are not left behind.”

Providing further insight, the Executive Secretary of KGSHIA, Dr. Aledare Adekunle outlined the vision and operational framework of the formal sector program, emphasizing its role in alleviating the financial burden of healthcare through structured premium contributions and a tiered level of care.

“By extending coverage to LGA workers, we are taking another bold step toward universal health coverage in Kogi State,” he said. “The same benefits enjoyed by their counterparts at the state level will be available to them once the ministry grants its approval.”

In his response, the Commissioner Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr. Ozigi Deedat commended the initiative, describing it as timely and of immense value, especially in light of rising healthcare costs and the current economic climate.

“This is a laudable initiative that clearly aligns with the welfare priorities of the current administration,” Deedat remarked. “We will study the request with urgency and offer the needed support to ensure its success.”

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Enimola Eniola Adekunle, affirmed his personal endorsement of the program, citing his own experience as an enrollee of KGSHIA.

“I’m a living witness to the effectiveness of this program. My dependents and I are enrolled, and the impact has been nothing short of life-changing,” he said. “We will work closely with the agency to see that this initiative reaches the grassroots level.”

The meeting marks a significant step toward inclusive healthcare access in Kogi State, potentially opening the door for thousands of local government employees to benefit from a more secure and affordable health system.