FIC Report (Nasarawa State) – The Association of Heads of Federal Establishments (AHFE) on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, held its monthly meeting at the Federal Secretariat, Makurdi. The meeting was presided over by the Chairman of the Association, Engineer Phillip Abumere.
A major highlight of the meeting was a presentation by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), which reaffirmed its commitment to delivering quality and accessible healthcare services to federal workers.
The Benue State Coordinator of NHIA, Mr. Yakubu Okobia, urged federal employees to enroll in accredited primary healthcare facilities to fully benefit from the scheme.
Mr. Okobia emphasized that enrollees have the right to choose any primary healthcare provider within NHIA’s network of accredited facilities.
He explained that beneficiaries may change their selected provider after a minimum period of two months or in cases of transfer, relocation, or if a facility is closed, relocated, or delisted.
He further noted that enrollees are entitled to a comprehensive package of healthcare services, including prescribed medications, diagnostic tests, and essential consumables, provided their names appear on the NHIA register and valid identification is presented.
He also disclosed that enrollees can now register their aged parents under the scheme at an affordable fee of Thirty-Five Thousand Naira (₦35,000) only.
The NHIA Coordinator also stressed the importance of proper referral processes to secondary and tertiary healthcare institutions when necessary.
He added that enrollees retain the flexibility to add or remove dependents, subject to NHIA approval.
In a separate presentation, the Head of Retail Banking at the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Makurdi, Mr. William O. Onoja, outlined the bank’s strategic initiatives aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Mr. Onoja stated that BOA is strategically positioned to mobilize resources, empower stakeholders, and unlock the vast potential of the agricultural economy through its institutional capacity, sectoral expertise, and network of over 110 branches across six zonal offices nationwide.
He disclosed that the bank is currently undergoing a comprehensive transformation into a technology- and data-driven financial institution. This transition, he said, is designed to expand access to agricultural financing, improve service delivery, and promote financial inclusion, particularly in rural communities.
Mr. Onoja reaffirmed BOA’s commitment to supporting smallholder farmers, agribusinesses, and rural entrepreneurs. He also highlighted the bank’s partnership with Helfer Nigeria in the implementation of the Renewed Hope National Agricultural Mechanization Programme, which aims to enhance access to affordable mechanization services across the country.
He encouraged both urban and rural farmers to take advantage of BOA’s loan facilities to boost agricultural productivity and improve livelihoods.
The meeting featured an interactive session, during which members engaged the presenters with questions and received detailed responses on the various issues raised.
BRIDGET TARKER
for Head of Center FIC Makurdi
