Niger State Government has inaugurated newly remodeled facilities at the General Hospital, Minna, as part of activities marking the centenary of the state’s oldest healthcare institution and reaffirming its commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery.
Established in 1926 during the colonial era as a medical centre for railway workers, the hospital has evolved into a government-owned health facility providing primary and secondary healthcare services to residents of the state.
The newly commissioned facilities include the male and female medical wards, male and female surgical wards, paediatric surgical ward, paediatric medical ward and the Emergency Paediatric Unit.
The remodeling project, which was initiated during the administration of former Governor Abubakar Sani Bello and completed under Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, is aimed at improving healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to quality medical services.
Speaking during the inauguration, the wife of the governor, Hajiya Fatima Bago, described the project as a landmark achievement that offers renewed hope to thousands of residents in need of quality, timely and compassionate healthcare.
She said the upgraded facilities symbolize hope, compassion and purposeful leadership, stressing that investment in healthcare is ultimately an investment in human life, family wellbeing and the future of society.
According to her, the transformation of the General Hospital reflects Governor Bago’s vision under the New Niger Agenda and demonstrates his administration’s commitment to making the health and wellbeing of citizens a top priority.
Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr. Murtala Bagana, said the remodeling represents the first phase of a broader plan to transform the hospital into a modern referral centre.
He disclosed that the government plans to expand the hospital’s capacity from its current 368 beds to a 500-bed referral hospital, making it the largest in the North-Central region.
Bagana said the expansion would also create the foundation for the commencement of residency training programs and provide a temporary site for a proposed medical school.
He added that subsequent phases of the project would include the construction of modern operating theatres, an advanced accident and emergency complex, expanded outpatient services, renewable energy and medical waste management systems, state-of-the-art diagnostic facilities and additional staff accommodation.
The commissioner further revealed that Governor Bago had procured 2,000 high-quality hospital beds for distribution across the state’s 22 general hospitals, alongside 40 wheelchairs to improve patient care.
He also announced that the state government, in partnership with the Malaria Consortium, would distribute malaria medicines and other essential medical commodities worth over ₦2.5 billion across the 25 local government areas of the state.
Managing Director of General Hospital, Minna, Dr. Muhammad Isah, commended the governor for what he described as a timely intervention, noting that the investment reflects the administration’s concern for the welfare of the people and the revitalisation of the state’s healthcare sector.
Also speaking, Chairman of Chanchaga Local Government Area, Dr. Mustapha Muhammad Alheri, praised Governor Bago’s leadership, saying his people-oriented policies continue to improve the lives of residents through strategic investments in critical sectors.
The centenary celebration and commissioning of the remodeled facilities underscore the state’s efforts to reposition General Hospital, Minna, as a modern healthcare institution capable of meeting growing medical demands while serving as a referral centre for Niger State and neighbouring communities.
