State Health Insurance Scheme: A’Ibom Records 179,000 Enrollees

By Bassey Nkponam
UYO
As government continues to strengthen healthcare delivery across the state, 179,000 persons have been enrolled into the State Health Insurance Scheme.
The commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem Emmanuel, who stated this, last Monday, while presenting his ministry’s scorecard during the  February edition of the monthly media briefing of the government which took place at the Government House Press Centre, Uyo, said that out of the 179,000 persons enrolled under the State Health Insurance Scheme, 126,000 consultations have been conducted, 1,106 surgeries recorded, 1,012 vaginal deliveries performed, and 8,200 referrals made from primary to secondary healthcare facilities.
Emmanuel  highlighted key achievements including accreditation of the College of Nursing, resolution of indexing issues, payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund, house officer trainings, organisation of 19 capacity-building workshops, and establishment of a 76-seated CBT centre at the School of Health Technology, Etinan.
Under the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Management and Ambulance System (AKISEMSAS), the commissioner explained that out of 2,507 emergencies attended to as at December 31, 2025, 708 were transported while 1,799 were stabilised on site, even as  maintenance of the Specialist hospital facility has remained on course alongside advancement of other major state projects.
Presenting a brief on the February 2026 achievements of the state government, the commissioner for Information, Dr. Aniekan Umanah, described Akwa Ibom as “a construction site” and outlined the scale of physical development across the state, noting that contractors have been mobilised to multiple project sites.
Umanah cited the rapid construction of the ARISE Palm Resort, ongoing repairs of 83 pothole sections within Uyo metropolis, and the total reconstruction of Aka Itiam Street as evidence of sustained urban renewal.
“In the last one month, the state has been a construction site, with contractors working assiduously on every project site, to deliver on the Arise agenda. Particular mention can be made of the Arise Palm Resort which construction is going on at a frenzy pace, the many potholes being  fixed  on 83 sections around  Uyo metropolis while Aka Itiam Street is being totally reconstructed , the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for the management of ARISE Palm Resort, Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort , the upcoming 5000 capacity convention centre, the 200 bed Ibom Hotels at the Tropicana Complex as well as Franchise for the Four Points by Sheraton hotels Ikot Ekpene”.
He said that the government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the management of the ARISE Palm Resort and Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, while work was progressing toward delivering a 5,000-capacity convention centre and a 200-bed Ibom Hotel at the Tropicana Entertainment Complex. Also, a franchise arrangement for Four Points by Sheraton in Ikot Ekpene is underway as part of efforts to strengthen tourism and hospitality infrastructure.
The commissioner mentioned that more than 1,200 kilometres of roads have been constructed and 32 bridges done across the state, while over 500,000 vulnerable households continue to benefit from the free food distribution programme.
“Beyond what has happened in the last one month which is the subject of this briefing, progress has been made by the Umo Eno administration in several ways since its inception and continues to gather momentum .
“Massive rural and urban infrastructure expansion has further deepened impact. With over 1,200 kilometres of roads constructed and 32 bridges  either delivered or on- going , communities are now better connected to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities. These projects stimulate commerce, reduce travel time, and expand economic opportunities across the State. The Eco-friendly CNG Mass Transit Scheme is also improving affordable transportation, easing mobility for workers and families.
“Beyond physical infrastructure, this administration has strengthened institutional and financial governance. The approval and implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) have consolidated State revenue collection, enhanced transparency, blocked leakages, and improved fiscal discipline. Digitization of government processes is advancing across ministries, departments, and agencies, modernising procurement systems, streamlining employment procedures, and strengthening overall data management architecture. These reforms are laying the foundation for a more accountable, technology-driven, and performance-oriented public service.
“In the area of workers’ welfare, the payment of over ₦80 billion in pension and gratuity backlogs has restored dignity to retirees. The implementation of the ₦80,000 minimum wage and consistent payment of 13th month salary underscore fiscal responsibility and compassion. Recruitment of 3,000 workers and 2,000 health personnel has strengthened service delivery, while the ₦1.2 billion wardrobe allowance to teachers reflects respect for the education sector. The overall impact is a motivated workforce and improved public service efficiency.
“Healthcare reforms have been transformative. Thirty-one Model Primary Healthcare Centres across all Local Government Areas are now operational, supported by an expanding Health Insurance Scheme. General hospitals have been renovated, new facilities constructed, and emergency services strengthened. Improved working conditions for healthcare professionals and strategic investments in infrastructure have enhanced access, response capacity, and public confidence in the health system.
“Education remains a top priority, with the establishment of 31 Model Schools across all LGAs and rehabilitation of 121 projects under SUBEB. The free education policy, payment of bursaries, examination fees, trust funds for students with disabilities, and consistent subventions to schools are reducing financial barriers and improving learning outcomes. These investments are building human capital and securing the State’s future competitiveness.
“Security architecture has been reinforced through the establishment of the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways, deployment of a 4,500-man Ibom Community Watch, provision of patrol vehicles and gunboats, and operationalisation of a Security Command Centre backed by Security Trust Funds. These measures have strengthened peace and stability, fostering a safer environment for residents and investors alike.
“Youth empowerment and humanitarian programmes reflect the compassionate core of the ARISE Agenda. The ₦50,000 unemployment benefit, monthly business grants to 500 youths, release of ₦750 million to 1,500 young entrepreneurs, and training of over 10,000 youths and SMEs are expanding economic inclusion. Under the Compassionate Homes initiative, 335 housing units have been completed and handed over, providing dignity and stability to vulnerable citizens.
“Strategic investment projects such as the 18-storey Ibom Tower in Lagos, proposed Ibom Hotels in Abuja, aviation expansion with additional aircraft, Aviation Village development, and enhanced airport facilities are positioning Akwa Ibom as a competitive investment destination. Tourism, sports development, and convention infrastructure are diversifying the economy and creating new streams of employment and revenue.
“The progress recorded so far is bold, deliberate, and people-focused. It reflects leadership anchored on vision, discipline, innovation, and compassion. As we continue this journey, we reaffirm our commitment to consolidating these gains and delivering even greater prosperity for the people of Akwa Ibom State”, he said.