From Rashidat Suleiman,Minna
The Chairman of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Niger State Council, Comrade Usman Abubakar Dabban, has commended the Niger State Government for its sustained support to the health sector, citing ongoing efforts to improve workers’ welfare and service delivery.
Dabban, who spoke during the commemoration of Health Workers’ Day in Minna, praised the leadership of Governor Umaru Bago, his deputy, and the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Babagana, describing the commissioner as dedicated and accessible. He noted that consistent engagement with health workers has significantly boosted morale across the sector.
The union chairman acknowledged progress in clearing the backlog of gratuities owed to health workers and urged the government to sustain the momentum by settling outstanding arrears. He also highlighted key achievements recorded through collaboration with the Ministry of Health, including the employment of about 400 skilled personnel deployed to primary healthcare facilities across the state. Dabban further disclosed that a bill seeking the extension of years of service for health workers has been passed and is awaiting the governor’s assent, calling for its prompt approval to strengthen the workforce.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Babagana, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare system, outlining key targets under the state’s 2026 health agenda. He said the Ministry of Health has developed a comprehensive plan aimed at improving service delivery, with health workers playing a central role in its implementation.
Dr. Babagana commended healthcare personnel for their resilience despite challenges such as hardship and insecurity, adding that many of them would soon be deployed for immunisation campaigns, particularly in hard-to-reach communities. He reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and well-being of citizens through sustained investment and support for the health sector.