Niger State is taking significant steps to revolutionize its healthcare system with Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s recent directive.

The governor has given express approval for the immediate recruitment of 1,000 health workers, aiming to bridge staffing gaps and enhance healthcare services across the state.

The announcement came during a press conference held by the Commissioner for Primary Health Care, Dr. Ibrahim Dangana, who also revealed that the government has sanctioned the automatic replacement of all retired health workers.

These measures are part of Niger State’s commitment to ensuring accessible and quality healthcare for its citizens.

Dangana commended the governor’s commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility, stating that Bago’s administration seeks to bolster the newly autonomous Primary Health Ministry by equipping it with adequate staff and resources, thus ensuring vital health services for residents.

Emphasizing the state’s support for family planning solutions that benefit women’s well-being, Dangana highlighted the positive response to the DMPA-SC program.

He asserted that family planning empowers women to space their children without limiting family size and expressed satisfaction with the widespread acceptance of the self-injectable contraceptive method, which has seen significant growth since its introduction.

According to Country Social Behavioral Change and Communication Coordinator for the DISC project, Mr. Micheal Titus, the uptake of self-injectable contraceptives has surged from 13% in 2021 to 52% in 2024. He praised the method for granting women privacy and convenience, and expressed hope for continued progress in advancing family planning initiatives in the state.