By: Adelowo Oladipo, Minna
The Niger State Ministry of Health has urged stronger collaboration among stakeholders to consolidate gains in polio eradication and safeguard communities against resurgence.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Muhammad Bagana, made the call during a one-day expanded State Oversight Committee (SOC) meeting and orientation for local government chairmen and district heads on the Abuja Declaration, held Thursday at the Princess Az-Zarah Hotel, Minna.
Dr. Bagana noted that while Niger State has not recorded any recent cases of the wild polio virus, its proximity to Kwara, Kebbi, and Kogi States poses a continued risk. He stressed the need to strengthen immunization coverage and sustain existing achievements.
He further disclosed that a compact was signed with traditional institutions, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), and development partners in line with the Abuja Declaration.
Stakeholders, he said, are expected to replicate similar engagements at the grassroots, with implementation tracked through clear action points and technology-driven monitoring.
The Commissioner emphasized the active role of traditional leaders in supervising immunization activities and ensuring accountability.
He urged residents, particularly in rural areas, to embrace vaccination. “Immunization is not a scam; it is real. What we do today will prevent our children from suffering tomorrow. Prevention is always better than cure,” he said.
Highlighting achievements recorded in the first quarter of 2026, Dr. Bagana reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to expanding healthcare delivery across the state.
The Emir of Kagara, Alhaji Ahmed Attahiru Gunna, represented by Dr. Chindo Ibrahim Bisalla, reiterated the critical role of traditional institutions in mobilising grassroots support.
He commended the Ministry for bringing stakeholders together to clarify roles and strengthen collaboration, assuring that traditional rulers would partner with authorities to drive awareness, tackle misconceptions, and ensure healthcare services reach vulnerable groups.
The State House of Assembly Committee on Health, represented by Hon. Zakari Ndagi Kinbokun, pledged legislative support for health programmes, stressing that healthcare remains a top priority for citizens’ wellbeing.
Similarly, Dr. Mustapha Jibrin, the Executive Chairman, Chanchaga Local Government Council and ALGON Public Relations Officer , reaffirmed the commitment of all 25 council chairmen to ongoing health reforms.
He described the engagement as timely and impactful, noting that participants were briefed on fund disbursement and utilization processes under the National Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF).
Dr. Jibrin assured that ALGON would cascade meeting outcomes to all council chairmen and ensure active participation in review sessions on immunization and polio activities.
He expressed optimism that sustained collaboration would deliver significant improvements in healthcare before year’s end.
Meanwhile, goodwill messages from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Chigari Foundation, and other partners commended the state government for domesticating the Abuja Declaration and fostering inclusive health governance.
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