Kogi Government Enhances Drug Supply Chain to Promote Universal Health Coverage

The Kogi State Government is steadfast in its commitment to advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through strategic reforms characterized by learning, innovation, and institutional strengthening within the health sector.

This dedication was highlighted by the participation of the Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Drugs and Medical Supplies Management Agency (KSDMSMA), Pharmacist Salamat Onize Ibrahim, at the inauguration of the Kaduna State Public Health Supply Chain Innovation Hub.

Facilitated by the State Government, this strategic initiative aims to adopt best practices to bolster Kogi State’s drug supply management system.

The launch of the innovation hub convened key stakeholders in the health sector and supply chain ecosystem, including the Kaduna State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Umma K. Ahmed; Executive Secretaries of Drugs Management Agencies from various states; the Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Resource Centre for Excellence in Supply Chain Management (ARC-ESM); the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; health professionals; and senior government officials.

This initiative seeks to enhance the agency’s preparedness for greater efficiency and impact in supply chain management.

The Commissioner for Health commended the Executive Secretary, emphasizing the hub’s significance given the state’s strategic location bordering 10 states. This positioning enables pharmaceutical companies to collaborate effectively with the state government, fostering the development of localized, context-specific solutions that address real community health needs. Such collaboration is expected to facilitate faster, smarter, and more efficient product supply, with the proximity of storage facilities enhancing logistical efficiency. In line with the agency’s commitment to providing safe, effective, and high-quality medications to the residents of Kogi State, Pharmacist Salamat conducted a site inspection at the AMA Pharmaceutical Plant. This visit aimed to evaluate compliance with standard ethical and manufacturing practices, reflecting the Ododo-led administration’s dedication to ensuring that drugs and medical consumables procured by the state are sourced exclusively from credible and duly approved pharmaceutical manufacturers.

Further demonstrating the state’s commitment to transparency and efficiency, the Executive Secretary participated in the International Industry Summit 2025 in Kaduna, alongside the Director-General of the Kogi State Bureau of Public Procurement. This annual event was attended by the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, represented by the Deputy Governor, the Emir of Zazzau, and other distinguished personalities from across Nigeria.

The summit offered valuable insights into best practices in procurement processes and modern supply chain management, with the objective of enhancing accountability and ensuring value-for-money in public health expenditures.

The Kogi State Government reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to the well-being of its citizens through ongoing investments in healthcare reforms, transparent procurement processes, and strengthened drug supply chain systems, all aimed at improving access to quality healthcare services throughout the state.