Dispute arises over NHIA office move from Benin to Port Harcourt
A controversy has erupted following the decision to relocate the National Health Insurance Authority’s (NHIA) South South Zonal Office from Benin to Port Harcourt. The group Edo First accused Obaro Ologbo, the NHIA South South Zonal Director, of influencing the move for personal reasons. Ologbo denied the allegations, insisting the decision came from the NHIA’s Abuja office and not from him. The situation has sparked strong reactions from local stakeholders, who are calling for intervention to prevent the relocation.
What we know
- Edo First claims the relocation is a deliberate affront to Edo State and blames Obaro Ologbo for orchestrating it.
- An internal memo signed by Halima Zakari announced the creation of seven new NHIA zonal offices, including the South-South Zonal Office in Port Harcourt.
- The group highlighted that the Edo State Government provided rent-free accommodation and a Certificate of Occupancy for the NHIA office in Benin for about 20 years.
- Obaro Ologbo described the allegations as “a big, fat lie” and stated the relocation decision was made by the NHIA’s Abuja office.
- Calls have been made to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, and other Edo leaders to intervene and halt the office relocation.
