NULGE Health Scheme | Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees

The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) is a trade union that represents and protects the interests and welfare of municipal workers in Nigeria. NULGE has branches in all the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory. One of the most active and vibrant branches of NULGE is the Ondo State branch, led by Comrade Bola Taiwo.

Comrade Bola Taiwo, who assumed office as the President of NULGE Ondo State in 2019, had a vision to improve the health status and well-being of local government workers in the state. He realized that many local government workers faced various health challenges, such as diabetes, hypertension, peptic ulcer, malaria, and other common diseases, due to poor access to quality and affordable health care services. He also observed that the existing health insurance schemes in the state did not adequately cover the needs of local government workers.

To address this situation, Comrade Bola Taiwo initiated and established the NULGE Health Scheme in 2019, with the aim of developing and implementing a vibrant health programme for all the local government workers in Ondo State. The scheme was managed by a committee led by a veteran public health expert, Dr. Samuel Abiona. The scheme was funded by NULGE.

**NULGE President, Com. Bola Taiwo speaking at the Lunch of the Scheme in 2019 at Akure South** LGA in 2019.

Objectives of the scheme

The NULGE Health Scheme had the following objectives:

To provide easy and affordable access to quality health care services for local government workers in Ondo State.

To prevent, diagnose, and treat common diseases affecting local government workers in Ondo State.

To promote health education and awareness among local government workers in Ondo State.

To enhance the productivity and performance of local government workers in Ondo State.

The Director of Local Government Administration, Prince Segun Omojuwa, addressing the team from the State during the medical outreach at Owo Local Government in 2019. The NULGE President, Comrade Bola Taiwo, (immediate right) and others listened with rapt attention.

Drugs and consumables on display — Drugs, BP apparatus and other materials for distribution

Glucometers and case notes on display — Drugs, BP apparatus and other materials for distribution

Key achievements of the scheme.

The NULGE Health Scheme achieved remarkable results in the four years of its operation, from 2019 to 2023. Some of the achievements include:

The establishment of medical clinics in all the 18 local government areas of the state, local government staff training school, and the local government service commission equipped with modern facilities and staffed by qualified and trained health personnel.
The implementation of medical outreach campaigns in all the local government areas, offering free medical tests, consultations, and treatments to local government workers.
The distribution of eyeglasses and referral and provision of financial assistance to local government workers with special needs.
Regular supply of drugs and consumables to the medical clinics and the outreach teams, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery.
The provision of life-saving health care to over 13,000 local government workers, including diagnosis and treatment for diabetes, hypertension, peptic ulcer, malaria, and other common diseases.
The recognition and appreciation of the scheme by the state government, the local government councils, the Nigeria Labour Congress, the public health authorities, and the general public.

The NULGE Health Scheme is a shining example of how a trade union can make a positive impact on the lives of its members and the society at large. It is also a testament to the visionary leadership of Comrade Bola Taiwo and his excos and the dedication of Dr. Samuel Abiona and his team. The NULGE Health Scheme is the first of its kind in Nigeria and a model for other states and unions to emulate.

As the Comrade Bola Taiwo led executives is rounding off its tenure, NULGE Ondo State wishes to express its gratitude to all the members, partners, stakeholders, and supporters of the NULGE Health Scheme.

We also urge the incoming executives to continue and sustain this laudable initiative, and to explore new ways of improving the health and welfare of local government workers in Ondo State.