By Atoyebi Nike
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has declared a state of emergency on the Minna General Hospital, citing its age, poor condition, and inability to meet the healthcare needs of the state’s growing population.
The announcement followed an unscheduled inspection of the hospital by the governor, who described its facilities as outdated and overstretched, noting that parts of the hospital, including a bench at the eye centre, remained unchanged since his childhood.
“We must be honest with ourselves the General Hospital Minna, in its present condition, can no longer serve its purpose. It is overstretched, outdated, and unsafe,” Bago said at the State Executive Council meeting on Monday.
In a statement issued Tuesday by Aisha Wakaso, his Special Adviser on Print Media, Bago unveiled plans for a comprehensive phased demolition and reconstruction of the hospital. During the rebuilding period, essential services will be relocated to select primary healthcare centres across the state to ensure continuity of care.
A special committee comprising advisers and health stakeholders has been set up to assess the situation and propose actionable solutions.
“This marks the beginning of a complete overhaul of the state’s healthcare infrastructure,” the governor added. “Health is a priority, and we are committed to delivering systems that serve the people with dignity and efficiency.”
The declaration underscores the state government’s renewed focus on modernizing healthcare delivery and improving infrastructure to meet current demands.
