By Ibrahim Muhammad
The Federal Government has commended Jigawa State for setting a national benchmark in governance and accountability within the health sector.
This was contained in a letter of commendation addressed to Governor Umar Namadi and signed by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate.
According to the letter, the Minister applauded the governor’s “visionary leadership” in institutionalising Monthly Health Sector Review Meetings across the state.
“On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, I wish to express my sincere commendation for your visionary leadership in establishing the Monthly Health Sector Review Meetings in Jigawa State,” the Minister wrote.
Prof. Pate noted that the initiative reflects Governor Namadi’s strong commitment to improving health outcomes and aligns with key national health reform frameworks, including the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) principle of One Conversation, and the Effective Governance Pillar of the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint.
He stated that these reforms emphasise strong leadership, transparency, and institutionalised accountability mechanisms as the bedrock of sustainable health system transformation.
“By creating a structured platform for regular dialogue, performance review, and stakeholder alignment, Jigawa State is setting a benchmark for governance and accountability in Nigeria’s health sector,” Pate said.
He added that the approach enhances coordination, drives data-based decision-making, optimises resources, and ensures timely interventions—critical elements for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Minister further acknowledged Governor Namadi’s political will to improve the health and well-being of residents of the state.
Pate encouraged the state government to sustain and institutionalise the monthly review meetings as a permanent feature of its health governance system, noting that doing so would consolidate achievements, attract stronger partner support, and accelerate improvements in maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes.
He assured the governor of the Federal Ministry’s full support in advancing the health and well-being of Nigerians.
