By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Kogi State has made a significant leap in healthcare development, moving from the 18th position in 2023 and 2024 to 10th place in the 2025 SBM Health Preparedness Index (HPI), reflecting major improvements in health service delivery and emergency readiness.
The SBM Health Preparedness Index assesses the capacity of Nigeria’s 36 states to effectively manage health emergencies and provide quality healthcare. It draws data from reputable sources such as the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), World Health Organisation (WHO), The Lancet, Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), BudgIT, The Cable, Radboud University’s Faculty of Medical Sciences, and the Global Data Lab.
The index evaluates key indicators, including budgetary allocation, human resource capacity, healthcare access, and overall outcomes, using the most recent available data.
While no state has yet met the 30 percent national benchmark for health preparedness, Kogi’s advancement to the 10th position marks a milestone in its ongoing healthcare reform under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
The state’s improvement has been attributed to sustained investments in healthcare infrastructure, workforce development, and community-based health programmes aimed at improving access and efficiency.
Speaking on the development, the Coordinating Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdilazeez Adeiza Adams, described the achievement as “a testament to the strategic leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and the commitment of Kogi’s healthcare professionals.”
He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to achieving universal health coverage and enhancing its emergency response capacity.
“We are scaling up investments in primary healthcare, training more professionals, and expanding access to quality medical services across all local government areas. Our goal is to make Kogi a model of resilience and efficiency in Nigeria’s health sector,” Dr. Adams stated.
Also reacting, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said the latest ranking underscores the tangible impact of the Ododo administration’s reforms.
“This improvement is a positive response to the challenge given to the Coordinating Commissioner for Health to move Kogi up from 18th position. Our investment in healthcare is paying off—this is true development, where governance directly improves lives and strengthens systems,” he said.
Observers say the latest ranking places Kogi among the most improved states in healthcare preparedness, positioning it for stronger health outcomes and better emergency management in the years ahead.
