Niger Governor Declares State of Emergency on General Hospital Minna Over Dilapidated Condition

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has declared a state of emergency on the General Hospital Minna due to the deteriorating condition of the facility, calling for an urgent overhaul of the decades-old structure.

The announcement was made in a statement released on Tuesday by Aisha Wakaso, the governor’s Special Adviser on Print Media, following the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held in Minna.

According to the statement, the hospital, constructed more than 50 years ago, has become severely dilapidated and no longer meets the needs of the growing population.

Governor Bago described the facility as overstretched, outdated, and a hindrance to the effective delivery of healthcare in the state. He said, “The hospital has been overstretched for many years, and its current state poses a serious challenge to effective healthcare delivery in the capital and beyond.”

To address the crisis, the governor has set up a committee comprising special advisers and relevant stakeholders to conduct a thorough assessment of the hospital and recommend practical solutions. Based on their findings, plans have already begun to demolish the existing structure and rebuild modern units and wards in phases.

During the reconstruction period, essential medical services and departments will be temporarily relocated to selected primary healthcare centres across the state to maintain continuity of care.

Governor Bago recounted a previous unscheduled visit to the hospital where he noted that a bench in the eye clinic had remained unchanged since his childhood. “We have to be honest with ourselves. The facility, in its present condition, can no longer serve its purpose. It is overstretched, outdated, and unsafe. What we need now is a modern, functional, and efficient health facility that reflects our vision for a healthier Niger,” he said.

The governor emphasized that this effort is part of a broader plan to reform the entire healthcare system in the state. “Our administration is committed to building systems that work. Health is a priority, and we are determined to ensure that people feel the impact of government through visible improvements in healthcare delivery.”

He assured the public that all necessary measures would be taken to reduce disruptions during the transition period and to ensure continued access to essential medical services until the new facility is completed.