NIGER ASSEMBLY HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH VISITS GENERAL HOSPITALS ON OVERSIGHT

The Niger State House of Assembly Standing Committee on Health, Nutrition and Primary Health Care, under the leadership of its Chairman, Hon. Pharm. Umar Nasir, Member Representing Paikoro Constituency, has commenced an oversight exercise to General Hospitals across the State.

According to a statement by the Head of Information NSHA, Rukkayah M. Tanko said the exercise commenced in Zone A on Wednesday, 19 August 2026, and continued to Thursday, 20 August 2026, covering General Hospitals in Mokwa, Kutigi, Bida, Agaie, Lapai and Takuti, among others.

The oversight exercise forms part of the Committee’s responsibility to engage with healthcare institutions across the State, appreciate the efforts being made by the Government and healthcare personnel, and identify areas where additional support or intervention may further enhance service delivery.

During the visits, the Committee is assessing the general condition of healthcare facilities, staffing, availability of drugs and other essential medical supplies, as well as the working environment of healthcare personnel.

The Committee is also engaging with hospital management and healthcare workers to better understand their experiences, acknowledge the progress recorded so far and listen to the challenges they may be facing in the course of providing healthcare services to the people.

Speaking during the exercise, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Pharm. Umar Nasir, explained that the oversight visit was primarily aimed at obtaining first-hand information that would enable the Committee to better understand the realities within the various healthcare facilities and, where necessary, support the Executive Arm of Government with constructive recommendations.

According to him, the exercise should not be viewed as a fault-finding mission, but rather as an opportunity for the Legislature and Executive to work together towards strengthening the health sector.

“We are here to see things for ourselves, appreciate the efforts being made and also listen to the management and healthcare workers.

Where there are challenges, our responsibility is to understand them and see how we can make constructive recommendations that will support the efforts of Government,” the Chairman stated.

Hon. Umar Nasir further noted that the Committee had so far received encouraging feedback from some of the facilities visited, while other areas had been identified where further attention and support could improve service delivery.

“We have received a lot of responses so far. Some are good, while others have highlighted areas that require attention.

However, it is still too early for me to present the Committee’s report because we are still concluding the oversight exercise,” he stated.

The Chairman also commended healthcare workers across the facilities visited for their dedication and commitment to serving the people, noting that the Committee would recognise and commend facilities and personnel who are making commendable efforts despite the challenges associated with healthcare delivery.

He emphasised that effective legislative oversight provides an opportunity for continuous engagement between the Legislature, Executive, hospital management and healthcare workers, with the ultimate objective of improving healthcare services across Niger State.

The observations and feedback gathered during the exercise will be carefully reviewed by the Committee upon completion of the tour. The Committee will thereafter make appropriate recommendations aimed at supporting ongoing Government efforts.

The ongoing oversight exercise is therefore expected to provide useful insights into the successes, needs and opportunities within the State’s General Hospitals and contribute to informed legislative recommendations and interventions that will complement the efforts of Government in improving healthcare delivery across the State.