Kogi has recorded a notable jump in its healthcare readiness, rising from 18th position in 2023 and 2024 to 10th position in the 2025 SBM Health Readiness Index (HPI).
The SBM Health Preparedness Index assesses the capacity of Nigeria’s 36 states to respond effectively to health emergencies and deliver quality health services.
The annual report draws data from credible national and international institutions, including the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), World Health Organization (WHO), The Lancet, Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), BudgIT, The Cable, Radboud University Faculty of Medical Sciences and the Global Data Lab.
The index assesses key indicators such as budget commitments, human resource capacity and health outcomes, using the most recent data available.
Although no state in the country met the national target of 30 percent health preparedness, Kogi’s progress represents an important step forward on its path to health reform. The improvement reflects the Ododo administration’s sustained investments in healthcare infrastructure, staff development and community health service delivery.
Speaking on the development, the Coordinating Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdilazeez Adeiza Adams, described the improvement as “a testament to the strategic leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and the dedication of health personnel in Kogi State.”
He assured that the State Government remains “fully committed to strengthening the health system to achieve universal health coverage, improve emergency response capacity and exceed national benchmarks in the coming years.”
“This is an encouraging development, but we will not relent. We are increasing investments in primary health care, training more professionals and expanding access to quality medical services in all local government areas. Our ultimate goal is to make Kogi a model of resilience and efficiency in Nigeria’s health sector,” Dr. Adams said.
Also commenting on the report, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said Kogi State continues to shine in healthcare delivery under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
“This is a positive response to the challenge posed to the Coordinating Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdilazeez Adeiza Adams, to promote Kogi from the 18th position it held in 2023 and 2024. The Ministry has done the needful and now the Governor has further challenged the Health Team to propel Kogi even higher,” he stated.
Honorable. Fanwo added that the development reflects the tangible results of the administration’s people-centric policies.
“Our investment in health is paying off. This is the true measure of development, when governance directly improves lives and strengthens the capacity of our health sector,” he said.
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