Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State has inaugurated 20 Level 2 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across 16 Local Government Areas in the state.
Speaking at the inauguration held in Minna on Monday, Governor Bago stated that the 20 centres form part of the first phase of a larger project aimed at constructing 100 PHCs statewide.
He described the inauguration as a significant milestone in his administration’s efforts to enhance healthcare delivery in rural communities.
Governor Bago emphasised that the new agenda prioritises access to quality healthcare and that every citizen has a role to play in its success.
He further announced plans to reconstruct and upgrade existing PHCs to Level 2+, with one centre set to become Nigeria’s first Primary Healthcare Training Centre.
Expressing confidence in the progress achieved, he said, “Within six months, we have completed 20 out of 100 facilities, and the next phase will be delivered within four months.”
The governor also revealed that the best-performing PHC would receive a monthly award of N5 million to encourage competition among centres in maintaining facilities and delivering quality healthcare services.
Additionally, some centres would be named in honour of distinguished individuals, including the late Hajiya Zainab Yakubu Garba, the late Peter Sarki, and his wife, Hajiya Fatima Bago.
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In his remarks, Dr Muyi Aina, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, described the projects as landmark achievements of exceptional quality.
Abubakar Musa, Deputy National Coordinator and Head of Monitoring and Evaluation of NG-CARES, stated that the facilities would be incorporated into NG-CARES 2.0.
Mustapha Ndajiwo, Niger State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, said the project aligns with the New Niger agenda, which prioritises access to quality healthcare in communities. He commended the governor’s dedication to delivering impactful projects at the grassroots level.
Dr Ibrahim Dangana, Commissioner for Primary Healthcare in Niger State, praised the governor’s vision to provide affordable, quality healthcare throughout the state.
He noted that the facilities represent a beacon of hope, providing essential health services and addressing gaps within the health sector.
Dr Dangana added that the centres would enhance capacity building and develop the skills of students from various health technology schools across the state.
