The Niger State Contributory Health Agency (NiCare) has officially enrolled the State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, his deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba, and the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, into its health insurance scheme, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to accessible healthcare for all residents.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, NiCare’s Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Sulayman Abu-Bakr, stated that the enrolment was part of the formal launch of the agency’s revised operational guidelines.
The event, held in the agency’s conference hall at the Old Secretariat, Minna, followed the initial unveiling of the guidelines by Governor Umaru Bago at the Government House, Minna, on Monday.
Abu-Bakr explained that the revised guidelines mark a significant milestone in NiCare’s journey to enhance healthcare access and improve livelihoods in line with the New Niger agenda and the agency’s strategic priorities.
He further noted that the event was not merely symbolic but historic, highlighting that “the enrolment of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and Secretary to the State Government sends a strong message that health insurance is not just for the poor or the sick, but for every resident committed to securing their health and future.”
According to him, the revamped operational guidelines introduce a new framework for delivering health insurance services in Niger State, focusing on transparency, accountability, and fairness.
Recognising the economic realities affecting healthcare affordability, the updated policies aim to improve service delivery while ensuring that no resident is left behind.
Abu-Bakr clarified that NiCare’s model is based on risk-sharing rather than revenue generation, pooling contributions from both the wealthy and vulnerable to guarantee comprehensive coverage.
“We want to ensure that no one suffers or faces impossible healthcare decisions due to financial constraints,” he stated.
To further reinforce this vision, he noted that NiCare has established the Niger State Equity Health Fund, designed to house pooled contributions, including government subsidies for the most vulnerable groups.
Abu-Bakr further explained that under the new guidelines, healthcare providers would be subject to performance-based incentives and sanctions.
“Facilities delivering high-quality, responsive, and transparent services will be rewarded, while those failing to meet expected standards will be held accountable,” he declared.
The NiCare boss emphasised that “this is how we foster trust across the health system,” stressing that “we are not just running a health insurance programme; we are building a people-centred, policy-driven, and performance-based model for public service delivery.”
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive therefore urged all Nigerlites, regardless of their socio-economic status, to enrol in the state’s health insurance scheme.
He assured that the system is designed to serve them efficiently, now reinforced by the newly introduced reforms.
“The leadership has led by example, the policies have been strengthened, and the opportunity to secure your health is here,” Abu-Bakr further maintained.
He added, “It is time for everyone to take that crucial step towards protecting their health and their family’s well-being.”
He also extended appreciation to the media for their continued support, urging them to help spread NiCare’s message far and wide, stating that “NiCare is here for everyone, and enrolment remains open to all,” he concluded.
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