Minna: The Government of Niger has unveiled its administration achievements with the various commissioners highlighting key achievements in their respective ministries.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the commissioners took turns at a news conference on Thursday in Minna to unveil their achievements over the last two years.
Dr. Bello Tukur, Commissioner for Secondary and Tertiary Health, detailed the strides made under the Bago-led administration, addressing the previous shortage of medical doctors and healthcare workers. The governor approved the recruitment of 1,000 healthcare workers, leading to the employment of 36 new doctors, bringing the total number to 219 in the state. Tukur noted the ongoing remodeling and equipping of the IBB Specialist Hospital, which will include installing an MRI machine, a first for a government hospital in Northern Nigeria. Additionally, the governor has approved a 100 percent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure for medical staff and aligned the entry point for doctors with federal standards.
Dr. Ibrahim Dangana, Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, highlighted the immunization progress under the current administration. Initially, children in 12 local government areas lacked immunization, but now only Mashegu Local Government remains, with plans for completion soon. The ministry has also established an emergency operations center with help from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and rehabilitated 20 primary healthcare centers, with intentions to revitalize 40 more.
Mr. Elizabeth Shaba, Commissioner for Small Medium Enterprise, reported the disbursement of over N8 million under the NG-CARES initiative. The ministry has trained youths and women in entrepreneurship skills, empowered 200 youths with N100,000 each, and facilitated loans for women under cooperative societies.
Mr. Musa Bawa, Commissioner for Agriculture, emphasized the provision of extension services and mechanization opportunities, with over 3,000 machines and equipment procured. The ministry achieved a distribution of fertilizers at a 50 percent subsidy, harvested over five million metric tonnes of grains, and conducted training for farmers on carbon credits.
Retired Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Bello, Commissioner for Homeland Security, emphasized the administration’s focus on security, providing operational vehicles for security agencies, and shifting strategies to include non-kinetic approaches.
Finally, Dr. Murtala Bagana, Special Adviser on Special Duties, highlighted the administration’s success in attracting foreign investment through international engagements and emphasized the focus on agriculture, livestock, and urban renewal projects, including significant road infrastructure development.