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 riders under the Ogun State Health Insurance Scheme.

This was revealed during a joint press briefing held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists’ Press Centre in Abeokuta, where both chairmen emphasized the importance of providing accessible healthcare for vulnerable populations within their jurisdictions.

Oyegbola-Sodipo highlighted that the initiative aligns with Governor Dapo Abiodun’s commitment to ensure grassroots access to affordable and quality healthcare, particularly for low-income earners in the informal sector.

According to him, enrollees under the scheme will receive medical care for illnesses such as malaria, typhoid, diabetes, and hypertension, as well as basic surgical procedures like hernia and appendicitis.

While the program will eventually include artisans and traders, the immediate focus is on motorcycle riders, given their daily exposure to road-related risks and accidents. Oyegbola-Sodipo cited statistics from the Federal Road Safety Corps indicating that 45% of road accidents in the state involve motorcycles, often leaving riders and passengers with little or no access to medical care.

“With this scheme, both riders and passengers can access treatment, especially in emergencies. Subscribers will contribute N300 daily for six days a week, and even without being involved in accidents, they can still receive treatment for common ailments and minor surgeries,” he explained.

He clarified that the scheme will not interfere with the daily ticketing system operated by recognized riders' unions such as ROMO, ACOMORAN, and AMORAN. Participation in the health insurance program remains entirely voluntary, with no penalties for those who opt out.

Oyegbola-Sodipo added that consultations and stakeholder engagements began as far back as November of the previous year to ensure transparency and union support before launching the program.

He also mentioned that the registration process, which commenced the previous Thursday in Abeokuta North, has already enrolled 900 riders, with the goal of covering 8,000 in total across the two local government areas.

Afeez Balogun, Chairman of Abeokuta South, also shared that 2,000 elderly residents from both councils have already been registered under the health insurance scheme and are currently benefiting from free healthcare services.

He noted that his council would begin enrolling commercial motorcyclists into the program starting Wednesday, reaffirming that the initiative is designed to provide a safety net and protect residents’ health regardless of financial limitations.