Governor Namadi Transforming Jigawa Into A Health Tourism Hub

“Our main goal is to expand access to basic healthcare services for every Jigawa citizen and ensure no one dies due to unaffordable medical bills. To achieve this, we will collaborate with reliable partners within and outside the state,’ said Governor Malam Umar Namadi.

From his inaugural speech, Governor Namadi declared his commitment to revitalising the state’s healthcare sector as a key pillar of his “Greater Jigawa” vision, encapsulated in his 12-point agenda.

The recent ground-breaking for three cutting-edge medical complexes—an ultramodern Diagnostic Centre, Cardiac Centre, and Cryo-Oxygen Plant in Fanisau, Dutse—underscores his administration’s dedication to improving healthcare infrastructure for effective service delivery.

These strategic investments align with the state’s vision of ensuring long-term prosperity and enhancing socio-economic well-being.

Governor Namadi’s healthcare revitalisation strategy spans primary, secondary, and tertiary facilities and ensures adequate and qualified manpower.

Various reforms have been introduced to strengthen the system, and numerous programs and projects have been executed over the past two years.

These initiatives include expanding healthcare access through the Community Health Insurance Scheme, which has covered over 143,000 vulnerable individuals, and revitalising and expanding primary and secondary healthcare services.

The completion of the Orthopaedic Hospital in Gumel, the establishment of specialist hospitals in Hadejia and Kazaure, free dialysis services at five general hospitals, and free healthcare services for diabetic, hypertensive, and sickle cell patients.

In human resource development, 130 students, including girls, were sponsored to study medicine in Cyprus, while the state acquired a private university to expand access to tertiary health education.

Additionally, Governor Namadi has recruited over 1,500 medical workers and an additional 1,00 in 2025.

Upgraded health facilities

Established five dialysis centres, offering free services to kidney patients, fulfilling his pledge that no Jigawa resident should die due to inability to pay medical bills.

These efforts have contributed to a 25% reduction in maternal and child mortality rates.

Governor Namadi explained that the new medical facilities—the Diagnostic Centre, Cardiac Centre, and Cryo-Oxygen Plan are designed to revolutionise healthcare delivery in the state.

Though initially funded by the state treasury, the projects will

eventually operate under a public-private partnership (PPP) model with certified health investment firms to ensure managerial efficiency and sustainability.

The governor expressed optimism that once completed, these centres will eliminate the need for residents to travel to other states for specialised services such as mammography, MRI scans, and advanced diagnostics.

He further revealed his administration’s vision to position Dutse as a regional health tourism hub, , serving not only Jigawa but also neighbouring states.

The Cryo-Oxygen Plant will supply 100% pure medical oxygen and produce commercial-grade nitrogen, creating a new value chain for fertilizer companies in Nigeria.

When completed and commencing production, the oxygen will be transported in digitally optimised, branded cylinders using electric vehicles to reduce costs and promote green energy.

At the foundation-laying ceremony, Governor Namadi urged healthcare workers to rededicate themselves to duty, warning that reports of negligence would no longer be tolerated.

He also thanked development partners, including UNICEF, WHO, FCDO, USAID, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and traditional and religious leaders for their support in health advocacy.

This paradigm shift in building and maintaining tertiary health facilities represents an innovative approach to ensuring efficiency, reliability, and durability in Jigawa’s healthcare system through public private partnership.