The House of Representatives’ Committee on Health Care Services has applauded Jigawa State for its strides in healthcare funding and reforms.
The commendation came during a courtesy visit to Governor Umar Namadi at the Government House, Dutse, on Wednesday, the 20th of August, 2025. The delegation, led by committee chairman Amos Magaji, was in the state for an oversight function.
Magaji praised Jigawa’s budgetary commitment, pointing out that the state dedicates more than 15% of its annual budget to the health sector.
“The 15% in the budget has been going around and effectively changing the landscape of health in Jigawa State,” he said.
He also congratulated Namadi for winning the $500,000 PSC Leadership Challenge Award, describing it as clear proof of the administration’s growing influence in healthcare reform.
“This shows your commitment. This shows the height you have reached and what you have done in the health sector,” Magaji noted.
The committee chairman further hailed Jigawa’s move to harmonise health workers’ salaries with federal pay, saying it would help retain medical professionals.
“In many parts of the country, there is what they call Japa syndrome, but here in Jigawa, people will be moving from other states to enjoy this benefit,” he stated.
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In response, Governor Namadi expressed gratitude to the lawmakers for recognising Jigawa’s progress. He restated his administration’s resolve to prioritise health.
“We believe that a healthy society is a progressive society. Health is the foundation for education and economic growth,” he said.
Namadi explained that a baseline survey carried out at the start of his tenure shaped his government’s focus on primary healthcare delivery.
“Primary health care must be strengthened if you want to provide health to your people,” he stressed, adding that his government is committed to making primary health centres attractive to both staff and patients.
The governor also spoke about ongoing projects, including a proposed medical village that will host a diagnostic centre, cardiac centre, and oxygen plant to limit medical tourism.
He assured the visiting lawmakers of his commitment to deepening reforms and achieving universal health coverage.
“This visit has made us stronger and will keep us on track to do what is expected of us. We are partners in progress and ready to work with you,” Namadi affirmed.
According to him, Jigawa’s progress in healthcare offers a model of governance that other states could learn from.