Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State has declared a state of emergency on the General Hospital in Minna, describing the medical facility as dilapidated and incapable of serving the state’s growing health demands.
The announcement was made during the State Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday, according to a statement issued by Aisha Wakaso, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Print Media.
The governor, while addressing the meeting, lamented that the hospital, established more than five decades ago, had suffered long-term neglect and was now severely overstretched.
“The hospital has been overstretched for many years, and its current state poses a serious challenge to effective healthcare delivery in the capital and beyond,” Bago stated.
He immediately inaugurated a committee comprising special advisers and key stakeholders to inspect the facility and recommend feasible solutions.
Acting on their suggestions, the administration has now decided to dismantle the existing hospital infrastructure and rebuild it in phases.
“So, following their recommendations, plans are now underway to demolish the current structure and begin the reconstruction of new units and wards in phases,” he added.
Bago also revealed that critical services would be temporarily moved to selected primary health centres across the state while construction is ongoing, in order to prevent disruption of healthcare delivery.
Recalling a previous surprise visit to the hospital, the governor said he was shocked to find that a bench he once used as a child was still in use at the eye centre.
“We have to be honest with ourselves. The facility, in its present condition, can no longer serve its purpose. It is overstretched, outdated, and unsafe,” he said.
He stressed that the initiative is part of a larger agenda to reform healthcare delivery across Niger State.
“What we need now is a modern, functional, and efficient health facility that reflects our vision for a healthier Niger,” the governor added.
“Our administration is committed to building systems that work. Health is a priority, and we are determined to ensure that people feel the impact of government through visible improvements in healthcare delivery.”
Bago assured citizens that the state government would take necessary steps to minimize service disruption during the transition and maintain access to key medical services.