Kogi State's ₦7 Billion Health Upgrade Faces Challenges

Kogi State has committed over ₦7 billion, with support from the World Bank, to upgrade 88 primary healthcare centers (PHCs) across its 21 local government areas. Despite this investment, many facilities, including the OAU Primary Health Centre in Ojoku, remain incomplete and non-functional.

During a visit on 6 May 2026, the facility appeared newly built but was locked, with no health workers or patients present. Aminu Nuhu, head of the Department of Health Services in Ankpa Local Government Council, indicated that the council is still searching for staff for the revitalized facilities.

Additionally, a borehole at the facility could not supply water due to a lack of electricity or solar power. Nearly five months after the initial visit, clinical services had not commenced, and a security guard reported that the facility was empty of medical equipment.

The Kogi State government had previously announced the commissioning of 80 revitalized PHCs on 7 November 2025, but the ongoing issues raise concerns about the effectiveness of the revitalization program.