Niger State Governor, Farmer Dr. Mohammed Bago, has publicly and officially enrolled in his State’s health insurance scheme, Niger State Contributory Health Scheme (NiCare), reaffirming his administration’s commitment to accessible and quality healthcare for all residents.
Nearly all 36 State governments, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have launched their health insurance schemes, bringing national enrollment figures to over 19 million as of February 2025.
Bago was formally enrolled into the NiCare by the Executive Secretary (ES) of the agency, Sulayman Abu-Bakr, at the Government House in Minna on Monday, during the launch of the NiCare’s Revised Operational Guideline and Health Equity Fund.
The Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abubakar Usman, also joined the governor in registering in a symbolic demonstration of leadership by example.
Highlighting the importance of adopting the health insurance scheme, the Governor urged residents to take advantage of the scheme to ease the financial burden of healthcare, noting that NiCare is a key part of his administration’s strategy to improve health outcomes and promote inclusive access to medical services across the state.
Reiterating the government’s broader health agenda, Bago said, “Our goal is simple: no one in Niger State should be left behind when it comes to accessing quality healthcare.”
While highlighting the multiple benefits of NiCare, the governor encouraged the formal sector workers, in particular, to leverage the scheme to minimize out-of-pocket health expenses and improve overall health outcomes.
He commended the Executive Secretary for the transformation taking place within NiCare and the impressive increase in enrolment, while calling on the stakeholders to rally behind the program.
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“Public trust is public wealth,” he added, emphasizing the importance of shared responsibility in sustaining the scheme.
He further underscored his administration’s resolve to reform healthcare delivery, citing the approval and launch of the Revised Operational Guideline and Health Equity Fund.
The development, he said, represents a major shift in the administration’s approach to health governance, adding, “These revised guidelines are more than policy, they represent a cultural shift toward accountability, performance, and inclusivity”.
He also commended the NiCare team for their commitment, innovation, and results-driven approach, describing the progress made under their leadership as tangible evidence of effective governance.
“We are not just expanding directorates—we are expanding possibilities. From our civil servants to market women and the vulnerable, everyone deserves access to the dignity of care,” he added.
Earlier, NiCare’s ES, Abu-Bakr, detailed the agency’s recent reforms and milestones, highlighting the expansion of directorates from five to six, the establishment of a Health Equity Fund, the introduction of a Private Sector Health Plan, and a new Incentive System aimed at rewarding outstanding staff.
Abu-Bakr described the developments as a turning point for NiCare, noting a 160% growth in enrolment from 53,000 to 139,000, attributing it to the governor’s strong political will.
He emphasized the significance of the governor’s formal launch of NiCare’s revised documents, saying, “These reforms are not just structural, they are strategic steps toward optimizing our service delivery model.
“They reflect the vision of Governor Umaru Bago, whose Livelihood Improvement Agenda places health at the heart of development.
“These revised guidelines will strengthen our operational efficiency and provide a robust framework for institutionalized rewards and sanctions, ensuring that our health facilities under the scheme are more accountable and effective.
“We are proud to have the Farmer Governor, the Deputy Governor, and the SSG officially enrolled into NiCare, that is a powerful display of leadership by example.”
He assured that the agency would remain a critical pillar in advancing the Governor’s Livelihood Improvement Agenda and committed to building a healthier and more productive Niger State.
