Reforms, New Agency Will Reduce Disease Burdens By 60% – Niger Commissioner

Niger State commissioner for Health, Dr Murtala Bagana, has said the comprehensive reforms in primary healthcare delivery and the establishment of the Niger State Private Health Facilities Registration and Regulation Agency, would  eradicate up to 60 percent of the disease burdens in the state.

He stated this at the inauguration of the Niger State Private Health Facilities Registration and Regulation Agency in Minna.

Bagana highlighted the far-reaching benefits of the ongoing reforms in the state’s healthcare sector, especially the huge investment in the primary health care delivery.

The commissioner explained that the reforms were designed to improve access to quality healthcare services, strengthen regulatory oversight, and foster collaboration of government with private healthcare providers.

He expressed confidence that the agency would serve as a catalyst for improved standards, accountability, and efficiency in healthcare service delivery across the state.

Also, the secretary to the state government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman, reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago-led administration to strengthening healthcare service delivery through effective regulation and monitoring of health institutions across the state.

The SSG, in a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by the permanent secretary, General Services, Dr Muhammad Muhammad Makusidi,  described the establishment of the agency as a significant milestone in the state government’s efforts to ensure quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare services for all citizens.

He noted that the agency would play a critical role in regulating private healthcare providers, promote professional standards, and safeguarding public health hence it  aligns with the vision of the New Niger Agenda, which places priority on improving healthcare infrastructure, strengthening institutional capacity, and enhancing service delivery across the health sector.

In a related development, Niger State government has launched the 2026 First Round of Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) Week in Tafa local government area of the state

Performing the flag-off ceremony, the first lady of Niger State, Hajiya Fatima Bago underscored the significance of maternal and child health as a vital component of sustainable development.

She emphasised that the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week presented opportunity to deliver essential healthcare services and foster healthy behaviors within families and communities.

The wife of the Governor lauded the efforts of the Niger State Ministry of Health and partners towards improving healthcare delivery and outcomes in the state.

The commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Mohammed Bagana, in his address  emphasised on  strategic investments in maternal and child health saying that they were  crucial for a healthier Niger State.

Also speaking the executive director of the Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Junaidu Inuwa, said the campaign was  guided by the core principles of coverage, equity, and impact.

He said it strived to ensure that all eligible women and children access essential healthcare services, with particular focus on those residing in remote communities, hence the need for community participation, government intervention, and partner support for sustainable health outcomes.