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The chairmen of Abeokuta North and Abeokuta South Local Governments, Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo and Afeez Balogun, have announced plans to register at least 8,000 commercial motorcycle operators for the Ogun State Health Insurance Scheme.
Speaking at a joint press briefing in Abeokuta on Tuesday, Oyegbola-Sodipo said the initiative aligns with Governor Dapo Abiodun’s vision to provide affordable, quality healthcare to grassroots residents, particularly those in the informal sector.
Under the scheme, enrollees will have access to treatment for common ailments such as malaria, typhoid, diabetes, and hypertension, as well as basic surgeries like hernia and appendicitis. Commercial motorcyclists were chosen as the primary focus due to the high risks they face daily.
Citing Federal Road Safety Corps data, Oyegbola-Sodipo noted that 45% of road accidents in Ogun State involve motorcycles, often leaving riders and passengers without the means for proper treatment. With the insurance coverage, beneficiaries can seek care immediately.
Subscribers will pay ₦300 daily for six days a week. The scheme is voluntary, does not replace the daily ticketing system operated by existing Okada unions (ROMO, ACOMORAN, and AMORAN), and carries no penalties for non-participation. Stakeholder consultations began in November 2024 to ensure transparency and buy-in before implementation.
The exercise began last Thursday in Abeokuta North, with 900 riders already registered. The goal is to onboard 8,000 operators across both councils.
Balogun added that 2,000 elderly residents in the two LGAs are already enjoying free healthcare under the program. Abeokuta South will commence enrollment of commercial riders on Wednesday.
“The essence of this scheme is to provide a safety net so that people’s health is not jeopardized simply because they lack the funds for treatment,” Balogun said.
