Nasarawa: Taking Healthcare To The People

Since his assumption of office, the governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, has been in the spotlight for always staying ahead of his peers in all facets of governance. His efforts have drawn accolades and commendations from within and outside the state.

Like the others, Governor Sule’s imprints are indelibly cast in the minds of the people in the health sector. Many are wont to argue that it is herculean to pinpoint which sector has scored the highest, but as experts have variously contended, an investment in healthcare easily has a ripple impact because health is the nucleus of human development and even existence.

So, driven by the popular maxim, “health is wealth,” Governor Sule set to work to turn around a sector that was near comatose. The statistics of healthcare delivery in the state then were appalling, with a deplorable state of infrastructure, a demotivated workforce, and a dearth of equipment and drugs.

However, Governor Sule moved in by demonstrating a deep commitment to developing the sector through a shared vision, mission, and philosophical approach that are intertwined with his broader objectives for socio-economic development and public welfare.

To underscore his administration’s resolve to deliver quality and affordable healthcare services to the people of Nasarawa, Governor Sule invested heavily in upgrading infrastructure, building new healthcare centres, providing drugs and other consumables, and training and recruiting more health personnel.

The achievements recorded in the health sector in the state so far are undoubtedly testaments to the governor’s commitment to meeting the health needs of the people, as manifested in the operations of the ministry and its agencies, as clear as sunrise from the East.

In line with his administration’s resolve to reposition healthcare delivery, he ensured that the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH), Lafia, which is the state’s tertiary health facility and serves as a referral centre, the Hospitals Management Board (HMB) which coordinates the activities of all secondary health facilities in the state and the Nasarawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency which coordinates and supervises the activities of all primary healthcare centres were given all the necessary support to enable them function effectively and efficiently.

Other agencies like the Nasarawa State Health Insurance Agency (NASHIA) and Nasarawa State AIDS Control Agency (NASACA) were retooled to serve the state and its people better. The governor also prioritised funding of the health training institutions in line with the overall drive of providing a clement environment for the training of human resources for health.

To this end, the Nasarawa State College of Health Technology, Keffi, was moved to its permanent site where befitting structures favourable for learning and other practicals were provided; while facilities at the State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Lafia, were upgraded. The classroom complex and hostels have been constructed at the school‘s permanent site, which is also to be strengthened through the engagement of additional lecturers, among other interventions.

His Vision, Mission

Governor Sule envisions a Nasarawa where quality and affordable healthcare services are accessible to all citizens. This vision is operationalised through his administration’s mission to achieve universal health coverage, ensuring that every resident, especially the vulnerable, receives necessary medical services without financial hardship. A significant initiative towards this goal was launching a domestic resource mobilisation campaign to enrol 250,000 vulnerable individuals into the Nasarawa State Health Insurance Scheme. This effort underscores the administration’s dedication to expanding healthcare access and financial protection for its citizens.

Philosophy, Achievements

Central to Governor Sule’s health philosophy is the belief that security and peace are foundational to development, including in the health sector. His administration has prioritised security to create an environment conducive to healthcare delivery and investment. This focus has led to collaborations with security agencies, provision of operational vehicles and motorcycles, and infrastructural support, resulting in relative peace and stability in the state. This stability is essential for the successful implementation of health programmes and attracting healthcare investments.

The administration’s commitment to health has been recognised nationally. The World Health Organisation (WHO) praised Nasarawa State for its exceptional immunisation efforts, attributing the state’s success to Governor Sule’s leadership and dedication to the health sector. This acknowledgment highlights the effectiveness of the administration’s health policies and their positive impact on public health outcomes.

Strategic Initiatives, Future Outlook

Governor Sule’s healthcare strategy aligns with his broader vision for socio-economic prosperity. By integrating health initiatives with efforts in security, infrastructure and industrialisation, his administration aims to create a holistic environment that supports the well-being of all citizens. The emphasis on universal health coverage, supported by strategic partnerships and resource mobilisation, reflects a comprehensive approach to health system strengthening. Looking forward, the administration is committed to sustaining and expanding these initiatives, ensuring that health remains a cornerstone of Nasarawa’s development agenda.

In summary, Governor Sule’s vision, mission and philosophy in health are characterised by a commitment to universal coverage, strategic integration with broader development goals and a steadfast focus on security and peace as enablers of health and prosperity. These efforts collectively aim to transform Nasarawa into a model of accessible and high-quality healthcare within Nigeria.

To this end, Governor Sule, since assuming office in 2019, has implemented significant reforms and projects to enhance the healthcare sector in Nasarawa. Key achievements from 2019 to 2025 include:

• Establishment of the Nasarawa State Health Insurance Agency (NASHIA). To ensure accessible and affordable healthcare, NASHIA was established, enrolling over 86,000 beneficiaries from both formal and informal sectors.
• Upgrading healthcare facilities: The Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH) in Lafia was expanded, transitioning into the Federal University of Lafia Teaching Hospital. Additionally, modern hospitals in Akwanga and Nasarawa local government areas were completed. Several primary healthcare centres were upgraded to general hospitals to improve grassroots access.
• Capacity building and employment: To bolster healthcare delivery, 37 medical doctors were recruited in September, 2022, while additional 28 new ones were engaged amid the brain drain that grips the profession exacerbated by the outbreak of the pandemic.

Also in September, 2020, Governor Sule approved the immediate recruitment of 246 medical personnel to boost healthcare delivery in the state. He listed the categories of the medical personnel to include: 30 additional medical doctors; 15 pharmacists and pharmaceutical technicians; 70 nurses, as well as 50 medical laboratory technicians. Others, the governor said, are 35 health and information management officers, 40 health assistants and six radiographers.

In a similar vein, the governor, in 2022, directed the recruitment of 246 medical personnel to boost healthcare delivery in the state. The state government resorted to engaging graduates from its School of Midwifery to fill the gap in phases. Furthermore, 1,573 health workers received training in various fields to enhance productivity.

Infrastructure development in health training institutions: i. Upgrade of the School of Nursing and Midwifery and subsequent conversion to College of Nursing Science with two schools and the recruitment of lecturers. ii. Upgrade, staffing and equipping the College of Health Science and Technology, Keffi, and relocation of the college to its permanent site.

Establishment and equipping of the stores to pharma grade for the Nasarawa State Drug and Supply

Management Agency.

Approved capitalisation of Nasarawa State Drug and Supplies Management Agency with N200 million as start-up fund.

Implementation of health initiatives: The administration launched a five-year plan to eliminate

Hepatitis C and conducted free medical outreach programmes, benefiting over 20,000 residents.

Long-lasting treated nets were distributed to combat malaria.

Commitment to Universal Health Coverage: In December, 2024, Governor Sule reaffirmed his dedication to universal health coverage by initiating a programme to enroll 250,000 vulnerable individuals into the state health insurance scheme.

Through these initiatives, Governor Sule’s administration has significantly improved healthcare accessibility and quality in Nasarawa.