Governor Umaru Bago has commissioned a range of upgraded medical facilities in Niger State as part of efforts to curb outbound medical trips and enhance access to specialised healthcare within the state.
The projects, situated at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Specialist Hospital in Minna, feature newly built cabin wards for male and female patients, a protacabin extension, a fully equipped Accident and Emergency Unit, and an advanced radiodiagnostic centre.
Bago stated that the hospital is now equipped with a renal dialysis centre, Electrocardiogram (ECG) services, mammography, X-ray, CT Scan facilities, and a modern surgical theatre he described as among the finest in sub-Saharan Africa.
He said the developments reflect his administration’s determination to make Niger a destination for high-quality medical services both nationally and internationally.
Highlighting progress in primary healthcare, the governor disclosed that 20 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres had been completed, with plans underway to construct an additional 110. He added that 22 general hospitals were being revitalised, alongside the recruitment of 1,500 health workers to improve service delivery statewide.
Bago linked the progress in the sector to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, noting that increased allocations to states had supported the execution of impactful projects.
He reaffirmed his vision of building a “New Niger” where residents would benefit from improved and affordable healthcare services.
According to him, the hospital now handles complex procedures, including brain and spinal surgeries, knee replacements, and other major operations.
The governor further revealed that agreements had been signed with medical partners in Egypt and Russia to boost expertise and training. Under one arrangement, between 20 and 50 Egyptian doctors are expected to visit the state monthly to provide specialised services and mentorship.
To expand access to care in rural areas, he said 250 telemedicine machines would be distributed across the 25 local government areas, reducing the need for long-distance travel for consultations.
He also announced plans to install a two-megawatt solar power system to take the hospital off the national grid and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply.
Additionally, Bago disclosed the establishment of an employment portal aimed at expanding the state’s medical workforce from 500 to 5,000 personnel, offering competitive pay, residential quarters, accommodation, and transport incentives to attract skilled professionals.
Earlier, the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Dr Bala Waziri, noted that since its renewed mandate as a specialist facility in 2012, the institution had grown significantly to meet rising demand for advanced care. He said the new protacabin wing would boost admission capacity, while the operational Intensive Care Unit represented a major breakthrough, as such critical care services were previously unavailable in the state.
Waziri commended the governor for approving the engagement of 29 visiting consultants, enabling the hospital to deliver comprehensive surgical services.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Murtala Bagana, added that primary healthcare centres were being upgraded from Level One to Level Two, with over 2,000 health personnel recruited since 2024. He said the improved facility would serve as a hub for specialised treatment and emergency response, marking a significant step forward in the state’s healthcare advancement.