A socio-cultural organisation, Edo First, has raised concerns over the relocation of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) South-South Zonal Office from Benin City, Edo State, to Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The group accused the South-South Zonal Director of the NHIA, Obaro Ologbo, of influencing the relocation decision. However, Ologbo dismissed the allegation, describing it as a “big, fat lie” and insisting that the decision was taken by the NHIA headquarters in Abuja.
An internal memo dated February 4 and signed by the Director of Human Resources, Halima Zakari, announced the creation of seven zonal offices to oversee the activities of the Authority. According to the memo, the NHIA Governing Council approved the establishment of two new departments during its first retreat in August 2025.
The memo stated in part, “This is to inform all that the NHIA Governing Council at its first retreat in August, 2025 approved the creation of two news departments – Strategic Purchasing Department Risk and Regulatory Services Department.
“These Departments have been forwarded to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation for ratification. However, the Departments have commenced operational activities.
“Furthermore, the organizational structure of the Authority now has seven Zonal Offices as follows. They are North Central Zonal Office (Ilorin); North East Zonal Office (Maiduguri); North West Zonal Office (Kano); South East Zonal Office (Enugu); South-South Zonal Office (Port Harcourt); South West Zonal Office (Ibadan) and Lagos Zonal Office (Lagos).
“All staff are requested to take note.”
Edo First described the relocation of the South-South zonal office from Benin City to Port Harcourt as a deliberate affront to Edo State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the group’s President, Edosa Idahosa, and Secretary, Ehiadolor Osakue, the organisation accused the zonal director of orchestrating the move for personal reasons, citing its proximity to his adopted home base in Bayelsa State.
The statement read in part, “The relocation of the NHIA from Benin to Port Harcourt can be traced to the zonal director.
“The Edo State Government in its magnanimity provided rent-free accommodation for about 20 years and a Certificate of Occupancy for a permanent site, but the zonal director, from Delta State, refused to work in Benin. The zonal office is currently suffering from neglect
“We, therefore call on the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, and influential Edo State personalities to look into the matter and prevent the relocation.”
Responding to the allegation in a telephone interview, Ologbo denied playing any role in the relocation of the zonal office, noting that such decisions go through established institutional channels.
He said, “Why would I do that? There is a board, there is a top management. There are a lot of channels before decisions are taken. If there is a group saying things, they may not know how the decisions are being made.
“I am happy you are reaching out to me. I am denying the claim. It is not true. It is absolutely a big, fat lie. I can’t be instrumental to government’s decisions. It’s not me. Why should that be?”
The National Health Insurance Authority is a government agency established to provide financial access to healthcare for all citizens. It aims to achieve universal health coverage by pooling funds, regulating health insurance schemes, and managing enrolment for both formal and informal sectors, replacing the former National Health Insurance Scheme.
