The Niger State Government has highlighted significant achievements recorded across key sectors over the past three years, as Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) presented their stewardship reports under the administration of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago.
The presentations were made during a high-level media briefing organised by the Niger State Ministry of Information and Orientation at the Communications Technology and Digital Economy Agency in Minna as part of activities marking the third anniversary of Governor Bago’s administration and the implementation of the New Niger Agenda.
The event brought together commissioners, heads of government agencies, editors, journalists and other media stakeholders from within and outside the state to promote transparency, accountability and public engagement.
Speaking at the opening session, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Obed Nuhu Nana, said the initiative was designed to provide citizens with verifiable information on government activities, projects and policies through direct engagement with MDAs.
According to him, the briefing reflects the administration’s commitment to openness, transparency and inclusive governance, while ensuring residents remain adequately informed about development efforts across the state.
Nana noted that Governor Bago’s administration has remained focused on institutional reforms and people-oriented policies aimed at driving sustainable economic growth, social development and infrastructural transformation.
Presenting achievements in the health sector, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murrala Bagana, disclosed that the state now has 54 Level-Two Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), including 20 newly established facilities. He added that plans are underway to increase the number to 103 by February 2027, with a long-term target of establishing 274 centres across all wards in the state.
In the education sector, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Hadiza Asabe Mohammed, announced the establishment of Quality Assurance structures across the 25 local government areas to strengthen school supervision, improve teacher performance and enhance accountability. She also revealed plans to domesticate the National Teacher Career Path Policy to support professional growth and career progression for teachers.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, QS Baba Etsu, who represented the commissioner, said more than 1,000 kilometres of roads are currently under construction across the state under the Urban Renewal Programme. He further disclosed that the Mararaban Daudu–Kuta Road project had been approved to improve connectivity and support agricultural value chains.
The Ministry of Agriculture, represented by the Director of Agricultural Services, Adamu Garba Maikasuwa, highlighted interventions aimed at boosting food security and mechanised farming. These include the procurement and deployment of 250 tractors, distribution of 150,000 metric bags of fertiliser and training programmes for agricultural extension workers through partnerships with international development organisations.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Investment, Commerce and Industry, Alhaji Aminu Suleiman Takuma, disclosed that the state has secured substantial foreign investment commitments, including a 163 million dollar Islamic Development Bank-supported solar power project and a 684 million dollar investment package from Chinese partners for infrastructure development in five Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones.
On water supply, the Commissioner for Water Resources and Dams Development, Engr. Farouk Umar Audi, reported that the Minna Water Works reticulation network has been expanded by 20 per cent, while rehabilitation and upgrade projects are ongoing in Chanchaga, Suleja and New Bussa to improve access to potable water.
The Commissioner for Homeland Security, Barr. Mourice Magaji, said the administration has continued to strengthen community-based intelligence gathering, security coordination and proactive response mechanisms to enhance safety and protect critical infrastructure across the state.
The briefing also featured an interactive session during which journalists and stakeholders sought clarifications from heads of MDAs on government policies, projects and implementation progress.
The Ministry of Information and Orientation reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining effective communication between the government and citizens, while ensuring the public remains informed about ongoing developmental initiatives across Niger State.
