The Niger State Government has launched a statewide advocacy campaign on routine immunisation and the strengthening of primary healthcare services.

The campaign was officially flagged off at the Primary Health Centre in Garatu, Bosso Local Government Area, on April 15, 2026, by the wife of the governor, Fatima Mohammed Bago. She described immunisation as “an act of love, protection, and faith,” stressing that vaccinating children is essential to securing their future.

She reassured mothers that vaccines administered at health centres are safe, effective, and globally trusted, protecting children against diseases such as measles, polio, diphtheria, and tetanus. She urged parents not to allow fear or misinformation to hinder them from immunising their children.

“When one child is left unvaccinated, others are also at risk. We must ensure no child in Niger State is left behind,” she said, while calling on religious and traditional leaders to support awareness efforts within their communities.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Murtala Muhammad Bagana, revealed that the administration of Governor Muhammad Umaru Bago plans to construct 111 Level II primary healthcare centres across the state, with over 20 already completed.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Abdullahi Usman Imam, the commissioner added that 92 additional centres are under construction in partnership with organisations such as the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, UNICEF, and other development partners. These facilities will be fully equipped with drugs and modern medical equipment.

He further disclosed that 396 health workers have been recruited through GAVI, while 384 were engaged by other partners, with plans underway to recruit an additional 1,000 personnel.

“No matter how beautiful the facilities are, without adequate staff, service delivery will be compromised,” he noted.
Earlier, the Executive Director of the Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Inuwa Junaidu, said the initiative aligns with efforts to deliver accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare, particularly for women and children.

He highlighted ongoing programmes including routine immunisation, antenatal and postnatal care, nutrition services, and community outreach, aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes.

“Our goal is clear: no child should be left behind, regardless of location or socio-economic status,” he said.
Representatives of key partners, including UNICEF and the Nigerian Governors’ Wives Forum, pledged continued support to ensure access to quality healthcare for vulnerable populations.

The campaign will be implemented across all 25 local government areas of the state.

A highlight of the event was the decoration of the wives of the 25 local government chairmen as immunisation ambassadors by the First Lady, tasking them with promoting vaccine awareness and protecting children’s health in their communities.

The governor’s wife, alongside the Umaru Farouk Bahago and other stakeholders, also inspected the newly constructed Garatu Primary Health Centre.