INGRA Praises Kogi's Health Spending, Calls for More Workers

The Initiative for Grassroot Advancement in Nigeria (INGRA) commended the Kogi State Government for achieving a third-place ranking among Nigerian states in health capital expenditure relative to state revenue in 2025. According to INGRA's Executive Director, Hamza Ibrahim Aliyu, Kogi spent 7.08 percent of its reported revenue on health capital projects, placing it behind Ondo and Oyo States.

While acknowledging this as a positive development, INGRA emphasized the need for higher spending to translate into improved access to quality health services. The organization identified the recruitment and retention of health workers as a critical priority, highlighting the necessity for adequate staffing in hospitals and primary healthcare centers.

INGRA called for a phased recruitment program focusing on rural and underserved areas, better working conditions, and continuous professional development for health workers. Additionally, it urged the government to enhance accountability by regularly publishing health sector budget allocations and expenditures, ensuring transparency in the distribution of funds across healthcare facilities.