The Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency (NSPHCDA) has ushered in a new phase of leadership with the formal handover of office to its newly appointed Executive Director, Dr. Junaidu Inuwa.
The handover ceremony, held at the Agency’s Conference Hall, was presided over by the Permanent Secretary, Niger State Ministry of Health, Dr. Mohammed Gana, who described Dr. Inuwa as a hardworking and highly experienced professional with the capacity to reposition the Agency.
Dr. Gana said the appointment aligns with the New Niger Agenda of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, underscoring the administration’s commitment to strengthening primary healthcare delivery and improving health outcomes across the state.
He expressed confidence that the new Executive Director’s depth of experience in public health and health systems management would drive reforms and enhance service delivery at the grassroots.
Dr. Inuwa, a Medical Doctor and seasoned Public Health expert, brings close to two decades of experience spanning clinical practice, health systems strengthening, and large-scale programme management. Prior to his appointment, he served as Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics at the Niger State Ministry of Primary Health Care, having earlier held the same position at the NSPHCDA.
He has played key roles in the planning, coordination, and implementation of major state and donor-funded health interventions, including the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), Saving One Million Lives Programme for Results supported by the World Bank, Malaria Control and Elimination Programmes, Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention, Community Health Influencers, Promoters and Services (CHIPS) Programme, KaRaMAH Post-Partum Haemorrhage Programme, and GIZ-supported Integrated Primary Health Care Strengthening initiatives.
In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Inuwa acknowledged the transitions the Agency has undergone and outlined priority areas for his administration. These include strengthening institutional systems, reviewing existing laws, activating the Agency’s Board, prioritising routine immunisation, and placing greater emphasis on human capital development.
According to him, sustainable healthcare delivery goes beyond infrastructure and must be anchored on strong systems and a motivated workforce.
Also speaking at the event, the Director of Disease Control and Immunisation described Dr. Inuwa as an experienced and visionary leader, assuring residents of the Agency’s renewed commitment to delivering accessible, affordable, and equitable primary healthcare services across Niger State.
The BHCPF Programme Officer commended the new Executive Director for his straightforward and dependable leadership style, while the State Nutrition Officer, Mrs. Asmau Mohammed, conveyed the goodwill of programme officers, pledging their full support and cooperation.
Dr. Inuwa holds an MBBS from Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto; a Master of Public Health from the University of Sheffield, United Kingdom; an MBA in Finance and Investment from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; and an MPA from Nasarawa State University, Keffi. He is currently completing a PhD in Public Health at Texila American University, Guyana.
His appointment is expected to further strengthen primary healthcare service delivery and enhance overall health system performance across Niger State.
