The Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency (AKSHIA) has been named the ‘Fastest Growing Agency in Health Care Coverage in 2025’ by the Institute of Health Insurance and Managed Care.
The award was presented at a ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday.
The Chairman of the Institute, Dr Hope Uweja, commended the establishment of State Health Insurance Schemes across the country, describing them as a key driver in Nigeria’s pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
He said his eight years of experience in the sector had deepened his appreciation of the impact these schemes are making.
Uweja lauded the efforts of states like Akwa Ibom for their commitment to expanding health insurance coverage.
“If there is one aspect of our health insurance ecosystem that I particularly appreciate, it is the establishment of the State Health Insurance Schemes.
“These schemes are playing a significant role in paving the way towards achieving UHC in Nigeria,” he said.
He congratulated the awardees and welcomed participants from across the country to the event, which recognised outstanding contributions to the growth of the sector.
Receiving the award on behalf of AKSHIA, the Executive Secretary, Dr Arthur Igbemi, said the scheme, launched on September 20, 2024, was established to provide affordable and accessible healthcare to all residents of Akwa Ibom State.
He said the ARISECare programme had already enrolled over 47,000 residents and was now expanding to cover more than 52,000 civil servants and their dependents, with a target of reaching up to 200,000 people.
“Through this programme, we are reducing out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare and promoting economic productivity,” he said.
Igbemi attributed the agency’s success to the strong support of Gov. Umo Eno, whom he praised for prioritising health in his development agenda.
“This achievement would not have been possible without the Governor’s vision. He is committed to keeping rural communities healthy, enabling them to remain close to home, farm, and generate income,” he said.
He also highlighted ongoing projects in the state, including the construction of a Medical City, emergency services unit, and a new model Primary Healthcare Centre, some of which were recently commissioned by the Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate.
The Chairman of the AKSHIA Governing Board, Dr Edikan Ekwere also expressed his joy at the recognition.
“I am so elated and in high spirits, and it’s no small feat for us to receive this award just six months after launching our programme.
“For me, it is a great joy, and I thank God for making this day possible.”
He also thanked Gov. Umo Eno for his unwavering support, political will, and investment in the health sector, particularly through his ARISE agenda.
“The Governor has been instrumental in setting up the health insurance board and giving us a clear mandate. Since then, we’ve been working tirelessly towards achieving this milestone,” he said.
Ekwere dedicated the award to God, the Governor, the AKSHIA board members, and the agency’s staff for their dedication and hard work.
The Permanent Secretary of the Akwa Ibom Liaison Office, Mr Aniekan Akpan also thanked the governor for his proactive leadership in enabling the state’s participation in the health insurance programme.
“We want to thank the governor for being so proactive in activating all that was needed for the state to join the health insurance team,” he said.
While acknowledging that there was a slow start, Akpan emphasised that the state had now caught up due to the Governor’s consistent drive and leadership.
“Since we started, we’ve improved health coverage for low-income earners, which is crucial for the health insurance scheme to take off in the state.
“The setting up of the board to monitor the agency’s activities has been pivotal, and we are already reaping the benefits of this pragmatic leadership, as evidenced by this award,” he concluded.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr Salma Anas, the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Yusuf Sununu, along with various state representatives and others.
NAN
