Sokoto State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency

04/08/2026

SOCHEMA Honours UNICEF for Outstanding Contribution to Healthcare Development in Sokoto State

The Sokoto State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (SOCHEMA), under the leadership of its Director General, Mr Yusuf Abu Abdulkarim IHMN, presented an Award of Excellence to UNICEF in recognition of its unwavering support, commitment, and leadership in expanding equitable, affordable, and quality healthcare through health insurance coverage in Sokoto State.

The award reflects the Sokoto State Government's appreciation for UNICEF's strategic partnership in strengthening the health sector and supporting the healthcare transformation agenda of His Excellency, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, FCNA PhD Executive Governor of Sokoto State. Through technical assistance, financial support, and health systems strengthening initiatives, UNICEF has significantly enhanced maternal and child healthcare, immunization, nutrition, primary healthcare services, healthcare financing, and institutional capacity across the state.
A major milestone of this partnership is the successful enrollment of 37,229 beneficiaries into the Sokoto State Health Insurance Scheme across 71 accredited healthcare facilities from 2023 to date, improving access to quality healthcare while protecting vulnerable households from financial hardship.

The Director General of SOCHEMA commended UNICEF for its invaluable contribution to healthcare management and acknowledged Governor Ahmed Aliyu's unwavering commitment to improving healthcare through increased investment, expanded health insurance coverage, strengthened primary healthcare, and productive partnerships with development organizations.

He described the collaboration between the Sokoto State Government, SOCHEMA, and UNICEF as a model partnership that continues to accelerate progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC), improve health outcomes, and strengthen the resilience of the state's healthcare system.

31/07/2026

SOKOTO STATE CONTRIBUTORY HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT AGENCY (SOCHEMA) HAS WON THE PRESTIGIOUS EXCELLENCE IN SOCIAL HEALTH PROTECTION AWARD 2026

The Director General of the Sokoto State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (SOCHEMA), Mr Yusuf Abu Abdulkarim IHMN has participated in the Health Insurance and Managed Care National Leadership Award of Excellence 2026, organized by the Institute of Health Insurance and Managed Care of Nigeria (IHMN) under the theme, "Building a Robust Capacity for Universal Health Coverage."

During the event, the Director General delivered a keynote address highlighting the major challenges facing health insurance in Nigeria, including low coverage, inadequate funding, limited awareness, and the need for stronger stakeholder collaboration and commitment to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

In recognition of his outstanding leadership and exceptional contributions to advancing social health insurance, the Director General was honoured with the prestigious Excellence in Social Health Protection Award 2026. (ESHPA2026)

This recognition reaffirms SOCHEMA's unwavering commitment to expanding equitable, affordable, and quality healthcare through sustainable health insurance, in line with the goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage in Sokoto State and Nigeria.

In His remarks, the Director General reaffirms the commitment and dedication of the Administration of Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto PhD the Executive Governor of the state in addressing the needs and challenges facing the health sector in the state and He also thanks his Excellency for his unwavering support and staunch commitment to expanding the wider coverage of enrollment of the vulnerable population and advancing healthcare delivery within the 23 LGAs of the state, making healthcare more affordable and flexible for all.

20/07/2026

Sokoto State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (SOCHEMA) on His Excellency’s Safe Delivery Initiative (SDI)

On Thursday, 16/07/2026, the Hon. Commissioner of Health, Dr. Faruk Abubakar Wurno, Director General of SOCHEMA, Executive Secretary State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SPHCDA), Dr. Bilyaminu Yari Sifawa, Director General Drugs and Medical Supply Management Agency (DMSMA) officially flagged off Phase 3 of the SDI.
With this launch, 75 primary healthcare facilities have been upgraded to provide improved and standardized care for mothers and their newborns.
Under the SDI, health facilities are certified to meet rigorous national standards, ensuring safer births by guaranteeing facilities are fully equipped, skilled birth attendants are present, and essential delivery infrastructure – such as power, clean water, and toilets – is readily available.
This milestone expands Sokoto’s network of compliant facilities to 92, putting the state firmly on target to upgrade 244 facilities by the end of the year. We are committed to securing the safety, dignity, and reliability of maternal healthcare across every corner of Sokoto State.

Read our full press release here: https://punchng.com/sokoto-targets-244-phcs-launches-75-under-safe-delivery-initiative/

20/01/2026

20/01/2026

The Sokoto State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruku Umar Abubakar Wurno, has paid a familiarization visit to agencies and departments under the Sokoto State Ministry of Health.
The Commissioner, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Ibrahim Haliru Dingyadi (mni), Directors, and other senior staff of the Ministry, visited the Sokoto State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (SOCHEMA).
The visit was part of the Commissioner’s tour of agencies, departments, and parastatals under the Ministry of Health, aimed at assessing their operations firsthand, as well as assuring them of the Ministry’s support towards achieving their mandates and overall health sector goals of the state.
During the visit to SOCHEMA, the Commissioner and his entourage were warmly received by the Special Adviser to the Agency, Alhaji Ahmad Rufai Abubakar, the Director General of SOCHEMA, Malam Yusuf Abu Abdulkarim, alongside Directors and staff of the Agency.

14/01/2026

SOCHEMA Reaffirms Commitment to Affordable Healthcare for Retirees, Residents of Sokoto State.
The Sokoto State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (SOCHEMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to providing affordable and quality healthcare services to all residents of the state, including retired civil servants.
This assurance was given by the Special Adviser to SOCHEMA, Alhaji Ahmad Rufa’i Abubakar, while receiving the leadership of the Sokoto State Retired Civil Servants Association (SOSRECSA) during an advocacy visit to the agency. The delegation was led by its Chairman, Alhaji Balarabe Marafa Silame.
Alhaji Ahmad Rufa’i Abubakar stated that the present administration of Governor Dr. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, FCNA, has prioritised healthcare as one of its nine-point agenda, recognising the importance of a healthy population to the overall development of the state. He explained that SOCHEMA has initiated several healthcare plans designed to cater for all categories of residents, including retired civil servants, to enhance their wellbeing.
The Special Adviser assured the association of the agency’s full support and called on its members to support the programmes and policies of the present administration to ensure the successful delivery of healthcare services across the state.
In his remarks, the Director General of SOCHEMA, Malam Yusuf Abu Abdulkarim, informed the delegation that the agency has developed various healthcare packages, including special plans for retired civil servants in the state. He pledged the agency’s continued support towards improving the health and wellbeing of retirees and urged the association to partner with the government in achieving its healthcare objectives.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of SOSRECSA, Alhaji Balarabe Marafa Silame, said the visit was aimed at familiarising the association with the agency’s operations, as well as seeking collaboration and partnership in providing affordable and quality healthcare services to retired civil servants. He also expressed the association’s interest in enrolling its members into SOCHEMA’s healthcare schemes.
Alhaji Balarabe commended the efforts of Governor Dr. Ahmad Aliyu’s administration in improving healthcare services and social amenities across the state, and assured the association’s support towards the development of Sokoto State at all levels. He also thanked the Special Adviser for the warm reception accorded to the delegation.
The Chairman was accompanied by the Secretary of the association, Bello Haruna alongside other members including Alhaji Shehu Tureta, Mohammed Garba MG, and Abubakar Ahmad Sokoto, who serves as the association’s Public Relations Officer, among others.
The visit was witnessed by Dr. Mikailu Shehu, Director of Quality Assurance, Sirajo Almustapha Director
ICT, Hajiya Maryam Mohammed Bello, Director of Administration, Aminu Umar Dambuwa Staff officer, and other senior officials of the agency.

20/11/2025

SOCHEMA Pays Advocacy Visit to Sokoto State Zakkat and Endowment Agency

The Sokoto State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (SOCHEMA) has paid an advocacy visit to the Sokoto State Zakkat and Endowment Agency as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration and improve healthcare delivery in the state.

Speaking during the visit, the Special Adviser to SOCHEMA, Ahmad Rufa’i Abubakar, said the visit was aimed at seeking the agency’s support and partnership in enhancing SOCHEMA’s activities. He noted that the initiative aligns with the commitment of the state government, under Governor Dr. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, to ensure that residents have access to quality and affordable healthcare services.

Also speaking, the Director General of SOCHEMA, Yusuf Abu Abdulkarim, explained that the visit was designed to reinforce existing ties and deepen cooperation between both agencies. He described the Zakkat and Endowment Agency as a “partner in progress” in the pursuit of improved health outcomes for the people of Sokoto State.

Abdulkarim highlighted key areas where collaboration could be strengthened and expressed optimism that the Executive Chairman of the Zakkat and Endowment Agency would support efforts to achieve the shared goals. He further called for a review of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) early last year signed by both agencies to ensure proper direction and effective implementation of SOCHEMA’s programmes.

In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of the Zakkat and Endowment Agency, Muhammad Lawal Maidoki, described the visit as timely. He commended SOCHEMA’s leadership for effectively steering the agency’s activities and pledged sustained collaboration and support.

Maidoki assured that the agency would continue to give all necessary cooperation to ensure the aims and objectives of the partnership are fully realized.

Other speakers at the meeting also contributed meaningful suggestions on strengthening the working relationship between the two agencies.

01/10/2025

*INAUGURATION OF THE TETIARY INTITUTIONS SOCIAL HEALTH CONTRIBUTORY PROGRAM (TISHCP) COMMITTEES*

The Sokoto State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (SOCHEMA) has taken a major step towards improving healthcare access for tertiary institution students with the inauguration of the Tertiary Institutions Committees on *Social Health Contributory Program (TISHCP).*

The ceremony was presided over by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, *Dr. Faruku Umar Abubakar,* who tasked committee members to work diligently and with integrity. He emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to supporting Governor *Dr. Ahmad Aliyu’s* Nine-Point Smart Agenda.

The Special Adviser to SOCHEMA, *Alhaji Ahmad Rufai Abubakar*, welcomed the committee members and urged them to discharge their duties fairly and sincerely, seeking divine guidance for success.

The Director General of SOCHEMA, *Mal. Yusuf Abu Abdulkarim*, gave an overview of the TISHCP, stressing its importance and encouraging all tertiary institution students to register for the healthcare program. He noted that the inauguration reflects the agency’s determination to enhance student healthcare services.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the House Committee on Health, *Hon. Kabiru Dauda,* pledged the committee’s full support in achieving the program’s objectives.

Other goodwill messages were delivered by the representatives of Honourable Commissioners of Higher Education and Justice, Special Adviser on Student Matters, Executive Secretaries of SOSACAT and SOSMEA, the Executive Director of HSMB, NHIA representative, the Chairman of the Board of Internal Revenue, and the DG of DMA. All expressed their commitment to the program’s success.

A paper presentation was made by *Mohd Modi Bello,* TISHCP Desk Officer and Deputy Director at SOCHEMA, further highlighting the program’s goals.

The event was witnessed by SOCHEMA Directors, Deputy Directors, Student Union Government representatives, and other key stakeholders.

19/08/2025

Director General Sokoto State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency at
5 Day Capacity Building Session on Social Health Protection organized by International Labour Organization (ILO)

ILO is going to be supporting 4 states in the area of social protection programs that include Abia, Benue, Oyo, and Sokoto States. The support will be in the area identified by ILO during validation to each state.