SOKOTO HEALTH COMMISSIONER CALLS ON INFORMAL SECTOR TO ENROL IN SOCHEMA BUSINESS PROGRAMME
Sokoto State Commissioner for Health, Dr Faruk Umar Abubakar, has called on operators in the informal sector, particularly business owners and other organised private-sector groups, to register under the Sokoto State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (SOCHEMA) Business Programme to access affordable and quality healthcare services.
The Commissioner made the call on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, while declaring open a one-day sensitisation workshop organised by SOCHEMA in collaboration with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) for the leadership of the Sokoto State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture.
The workshop, held at Bayero Hall, Sokoto Guest Inn, had the theme: “Scaling Up Informal Enrolment in Sokoto State.”
Dr Faruk Umar Abubakar said expanding health insurance coverage among the informal sector was essential to ensuring that more residents could access healthcare services without undue financial hardship.
He therefore urged business owners, traders, entrepreneurs and other members of the informal sector to take advantage of the SOCHEMA Business Programme, which provides an avenue for individuals and businesses to secure affordable healthcare coverage.
The Commissioner further stressed the importance of strengthening collaboration between the health sector and organised business groups towards achieving wider health insurance coverage across the state.
In his welcome remarks, the Director-General of SOCHEMA, Dr Yusuf Abu Abdulkarim, explained that the sensitisation workshop was aimed at creating greater awareness among informal-sector stakeholders on the benefits and opportunities available under the health insurance programme.
He said increased enrolment would contribute significantly to expanding healthcare coverage and improving access to affordable healthcare services across Sokoto State.
Speaking at the occasion, the President of the Sokoto State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Alhaji Muazu Maaji, commended SOCHEMA and NHIA for the initiative.
He expressed the Chamber’s readiness to support efforts aimed at increasing awareness and encouraging members of the business community to participate in the health insurance programme.
In his closing remarks, the Special Adviser to SOCHEMA, Alhaji Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, commended the Sokoto State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture for its commitment and support towards initiatives aimed at improving the wellbeing of the people.
He called for sustained collaboration among government agencies, the organised private sector and other stakeholders to ensure wider health insurance coverage in the state.
The occasion was attended by the Special Adviser, SSPHDA, Dr Bello Muhammad Marnona; Special Adviser, SOSACA, Dr Sada Ibrahim Durbawa; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Alhaji Ibrahim Haliru Dingyadi; Executive Secretary, SOSMEA, Hajiya Luba Hassan; Director, Health Service Management Board, Dr Bello Abubakar Attahiru, as well as Directors from the Ministry of Health and representatives of various health agencies.
Bashiru Garba
Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Health,
Sokoto State
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