The Ogun State Government has introduced a health insurance program specifically tailored for the formal sector, encompassing civil servants, public servants, and employees within the organized private sector. This initiative forms part of the scheduled events for the 2024 Public Service Week.

The official launch of the scheme held at the Obas Complex, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. During his speech, he revealed that the government would cover 50% of the premium for each worker who enrolled in the scheme.

Represented by his Deputy, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Governor Abiodun emphasized the government’s commitment to prioritizing the well-being of public servants. This commitment is evident in the payment of a N100 million counterpart fund.

In February 2022, the Governor introduced a program aimed at the informal sector, providing opportunities for artisans, market vendors, traders, and other individuals earning a living in non-organized settings.

During the 2024 Civil Service Week, the Governor delivered a speech centered around the theme "Building a Socially Responsive Public Service in the 21st Century: A Place of Ethics and Values." He emphasized the strong alignment of this theme with the current administration's aspirations and ideals for the public service.

“I hereby reassure all public servants that their well-being will remain a priority in the government’s development agenda, as demonstrated in our payment of a 100-million-naira counterpart fund, which has granted the state access to the Federal Government’s Basic Health Care Provision Fund since February 2020; the launch of the Informal Sector of OGSHIS in 2020; and the provision of a 100-million-naira takeoff grant for the Ogun State Health Insurance Agency in November 2020’, Abiodun said

‘Also, as part of palliative support in the health sector earlier in the year, we released 310 million naira as an equity fund to provide health insurance access to low-income residents of the state, part of which facilitated providing free surgeries to over a thousand residents’, he added.

‘Additionally, we have released the sum of N324 to support 3,300 pregnant women in the state for free under the scheme tagged Ibidero. This includes covering their antenatal and postnatal care, as well as providing a N5,000 token after delivery.”

The success of this initiative is a collaborative effort that necessitates close cooperation with healthcare professionals and stakeholders. This ensures effective implementation, thorough monitoring, and continuous improvement of the system, he said.

The Health Commissioner, Dr. Tomi Coker, highlighted that approximately 80% of Nigerians pay for healthcare directly, making them vulnerable to the severe effects of excessive healthcare costs.

Coker urged state residents to utilize both informal and formal sector programs, emphasizing their role in providing financial protection against unexpected medical expenses that could lead to extreme poverty.

‘I am delighted that His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, whose prioritization of health has demonstrably led to improvements in our health systems, is launching this scheme today. This is no longer just a plan. Our Governor has already initiated it. So, rest assured, this scheme is here and here to stay’, she said.

Additionally, the Head of Service, Kehinde Onasanya, emphasized in his welcome address the critical importance of good health in ensuring the smooth and successful socioeconomic progress of the community. This underscores the well-known adage, “Health is Wealth.”

The top civil servant asserted that the current administration’s recognition of healthcare’s pivotal role in enhancing workforce productivity is exemplified by the Governor’s decision to introduce the formal sector health insurance program. This initiative is expected to have a direct and positive impact on the well-being of not only the workers but also their families.

Furthermore, the Ogun State Chapter Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ademola Benco, expressed his appreciation in his goodwill message, describing the Governor as an individual who prioritizes the well-being and welfare of workers.

The labor leader commended the Governor for covering 50% of the premium for each worker enrolled in the scheme and respectfully requested that the government ensure the program’s consistency and sustainability. Comrade Benco pledged the union’s unwavering support towards the scheme’s success.