Healthcare: Niger, Kwara Health Commissioners strengthen inter-state collaboration

Niger and Kwara States have moved to strengthen inter-state collaboration on healthcare, with both governments pledging to deepen knowledge sharing and adopt best practices to improve service delivery.

The renewed partnership was formalized on Tuesday in Minna during a high-level meeting between the Niger State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Muhammad Bagana, and his Kwara State counterpart, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, at the State Ministry of Health Headquarters.

Welcoming the Kwara delegation, Dr. Bagana described the visit as a strategic opportunity for both states to exchange experiences and explore innovative approaches to improving healthcare.

He presented the Ministry’s 2026 Activity Tracker, a comprehensive framework outlining all programmes scheduled for implementation in the year. He said the tracker will enable the Ministry to systematically monitor projects from commencement to completion.

According to him, the initiative aligns with the “New Niger Health Agenda” of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, which aims to reposition the health sector, strengthen service delivery, and advance Universal Health Coverage in the state.

The Commissioner appreciated Dr. El-Imam for the visit and reaffirmed Niger State’s commitment to sustained inter-state collaboration and the adoption of best practices for better health outcomes.

In her remarks, Dr. El-Imam commended Dr. Bagana and his team for what she described as a coordinated and structured approach to managing the health sector.

She particularly applauded the Ministry’s regular coordination meetings, noting that the leadership team meets three times weekly to deliberate on issues affecting healthcare administration and delivery.

Dr. El-Imam also expressed satisfaction with the Commissioner’s performance, especially his ability to bring stakeholders together toward common goals. She urged heads of agencies and directors to continue supporting the Commissioner and to sustain the systems established under his leadership beyond his tenure.

A major highlight of the meeting was the unveiling of the “August Health Fact Sheet,” a monthly publication of the Niger State Ministry of Health. Commissioner Bagana presented a copy to his Kwara counterpart as part of the knowledge-sharing initiative.

The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary, heads of agencies, and directors of the Niger State Ministry of Health. It underscored the importance of inter-state collaboration in strengthening health systems and improving healthcare outcomes for citizens.