The Kwara State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with labour unions and key ministries to enroll all state workers into the State Health Insurance Scheme (SHIS).
The agreement was signed in Ilorin by the Office of the Accountant General, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Justice, Office of the Head of Service, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC).
It aimed at easing workers’ health challenges and improving welfare for greater productivity.
Speaking at the event, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, described the initiative as a milestone in Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s vision to achieve universal health coverage.
Ahmed El-Imam noted that the insurance scheme covers all civil servants and five members of their families, saying over 130 episodes of the “Kwara Health Gist” programme have been introduced to educate citizens on the benefits of health insurance.
The Acting Head of Service, Dr. Olufunke Mercy Shittu, commended the Governor for approving the 50-50 contribution formula, with government supporting workers’ enrollment by paying 2% alongside their own 2% contribution.
Shittu said the step would provide relief for workers facing economic challenges.
Executive Secretary of the Kwara Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Jettawo Olubunmi Winter, lauded the Governor’s commitment, describing the agreement as historic and a lasting investment in workers’ welfare.
Labour leaders, including the State Chairman of NLC, Comrade Muritala Saheed, NUT Chairman, Comrade Abdulrahman Olayinka, and JNC Chairman, Comrade Saliu Suleiman, also praised the development.
They acknowledged the role of the Health Insurance Agency and the Office of the Head of Service in driving the policy and expressed optimism that it would enhance healthcare access for civil servants across the State.