Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has approved the enrolment of another 50,000 poor and vulnerable residents into the Kebbi State Social Health Insurance Scheme, marking a significant step towards expanding access to quality healthcare and accelerating the state's drive towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The approval was announced on Monday, 13 July 2026, by the Executive Secretary of the Kebbi State Contributory Health Care Management Agency (KECHEMA), Dr Murtala Muhammad Dandare.
According to Dr Dandare, the latest approval comes barely a year after the state government enrolled another 50,000 poor and vulnerable persons under the Equity Fund. "This approval by His Excellency, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, is another clear demonstration of his unwavering commitment to the welfare of the less privileged and the strengthening of Kebbi State's healthcare system," Dandare said.
The fresh enrolment is expected to significantly improve the state's health indicators, enhance its standing among states in the Northern Governors' Forum, and fast-track the attainment of Universal Health Coverage. Dandare disclosed that the enrolment exercise would commence in the coming weeks across the state's 21 local government areas, targeting an average of 200 eligible beneficiaries from each of the 225 electoral wards to ensure fairness and equitable distribution. "Last year, the governor approved the enrolment of another 50,000 poor and vulnerable people under the Equity Fund. These interventions reflect the administration's sustained investment in social protection and equitable access to affordable healthcare," he added.
However, Dandare also appealed to healthcare providers to exercise patience over the challenges affecting the implementation of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF). He explained that delays in the release of the first and second quarter BHCPF funds by the National Health Insurance Agency had affected some programme activities. "We appeal to our healthcare providers to remain patient. The agency has experienced delays in receiving the first and second quarter BHCPF releases from the National Health Insurance Agency, and this has impacted some programme activities," Dandare said. He assured stakeholders that efforts were ongoing to resolve the funding challenges, adding that the Kebbi State Government and KECHEMA were actively engaging the relevant authorities to ensure the outstanding funds were released and seamless implementation of the programme was restored.
Dandare expressed appreciation to Governor Idris for approving the initiative, pledging that the agency would ensure its successful implementation. "We are deeply grateful to His Excellency for this historic approval. KECHEMA remains committed to ensuring that this initiative translates into improved access to healthcare and better health outcomes for the people of Kebbi State," he said.
The latest approval builds on the state's previous efforts to expand health insurance coverage. In 2025, the state enrolled 45,000 vulnerable persons under the scheme, with support from development partners such as UNICEF, which enrolled an additional 15,000 beneficiaries. The state government has also revitalised 22 general hospitals and 63 dispensaries, and recruited over 2,000 health workers to address capacity constraints that have long plagued service delivery. With the fresh enrolment of 50,000 vulnerable residents, Kebbi State continues to make steady progress towards its goal of ensuring that all citizens have access to quality healthcare without facing financial hardship.
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