By Adesakin Adefemi
The Ogun State Ministry of Health has moved swiftly to protect residents by launching a decisive investigation into illegal charges for routine immunisation at primary healthcare centres in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area. The ministry’s prompt response underscores its zero-tolerance stance on extortion and its commitment to safeguarding free healthcare services for all families.
The action follows findings that health workers at PHCs in Magboro, Ibafo, and Mowe demanded between N500 and N2,000 from nursing mothers before vaccinating their babies. The ministry stressed that immunisation remains free across Ogun State and nationwide, and any deviation undermines public trust.
In line with its accountability drive, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, directed the Officers-in-Charge of all three facilities to appear at the ministry on Monday. “They’re coming to my office tomorrow. Everybody listed. The OICs are coming too. They’re going to be suspended,” she stated, reaffirming the ministry’s resolve to enforce discipline.
The Ogun State Ministry of Health confirmed that the review will extend beyond the three named facilities. The entire local government health structure will be examined to identify and address any further cases of illegal charges, ensuring consistent standards across the state.
Dr Coker described the actions of the erring workers as a betrayal of public trust and contrary to the substantial investments the state government has made in strengthening primary healthcare. She highlighted that each facility receives regular monthly imprest allocations to cover operations, drugs, environmental maintenance, and security.
As part of its reform agenda, the ministry is deepening transparency by introducing electronic medical records in more facilities. This system will help eliminate under-reporting of patient numbers and revenue manipulation, making it easier to monitor service delivery and resource use in real time.
To empower citizens, the ministry is rolling out clear service price lists across all PHCs. The posters will display which services are free, helping mothers and caregivers to identify and report any wrongful demands.
The ministry is also intensifying unscheduled facility visits to strengthen monitoring and ensure compliance.
The Ogun State Ministry of Health urged residents to be active partners in accountability. “The Nigerian public should demand their rights. If someone tells you to pay, take their picture and send it to me,” Dr Coker said, noting that public reporting will keep health workers accountable and protect communities from victimisation.
These reforms build on the state’s immunisation progress. As of December 2025, Ogun State had fully immunised 229,468 children, with 47,548 partially immunised and 12,000 classified as zero-dose.
The ministry said sustained transparency and accountability are central to reaching every child and delivering on its mandate of accessible, quality healthcare for all residents.
