Transforming
healthcare in Niger State
The Health Sector Transformation Programme (HSTP) is a ground-breaking initiative to revolutionise healthcare delivery, strengthen medical infrastructure, and ensure every resident of Niger State has access to quality care.
His Excellency
The Executive Governor, Niger State
His Excellency Mohammed Umaru Bago is known as the 'Farmer Governor' for his dedication to agriculture as a driver of economic growth. However, since taking office on May 29, 2023, His Excellency, has focused on defining a New Niger. One that is defined by cross sector development in education, agriculture, technology and health.
Governor Bago is deeply committed to transforming the health sector by modernising facilities, expanding rural healthcare access, and training medical professionals. He has championed initiatives to improve maternal and child healthcare, strengthen primary healthcare systems, and is driven to enhance the overall healthcare delivery in Niger State. The Health, Education and Agriculture sector have been given the highest priority in terms of development in Niger State.
Niger State, within the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Niger State North-Central Nigeria
Located in the North-Central Geopolitical Zone, Niger State is the largest state by land area in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Renowned as the 'Power State', it houses several of the nation's major dams - including the prominent Kainji Dam - which play a crucial role in Nigeria's power generation.
The State is divided into three senatorial districts, further organised into 25 Local Government Areas and 274 wards.
Honourable Commissioner
for Health, Niger State
Dr. Murtala Muhammad Bagana currently serves as the Commissioner for Health in Niger State, Nigeria, under the administration of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago. Since taking office, he has championed comprehensive reforms in primary healthcare delivery, including the establishment of the Niger State Private Health Facilities Registration and Regulation Agency, aimed at strengthening regulatory oversight and reducing the state's disease burden. His tenure has been marked by a broader push to overhaul the state's health sector - reactivating and institutionalising the Patients Information and Complaints Office across public health facilities and expanding maternal and child health services, positioning him as a central figure in Niger State's ongoing Health Sector Transformation Programme.
Among the key initiatives he has spearheaded is the engagement of MRL® Public Sector Consultants to support the state in generating accurate, up-to-date data on the condition of its health facilities, equipment, human resources, and broader health infrastructure. MRL® has carried out a comprehensive assessment of health centres across Niger State, producing a robust evidence base that captures the true state of the sector. This innovative data-driven approach is expected to underpin more effective planning, resource allocation, and decision-making across the state's health system, reinforcing Dr. Bagana's commitment to a health sector transformation grounded in reliable evidence rather than assumption.
The Health Sector Transformation Programme (HSTP) is a key initiative aimed at improving the quality and accessibility of healthcare in Niger State, Africa.
Recognising the critical need for data-driven interventions, the programme will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the health sector to gather detailed baseline information on health facilities, human resources, and service delivery within the state.
The insights gained from this Healthcare Facility Assessment (HFA) will serve as the foundation for crafting targeted health policies, optimising resource allocation, and addressing systemic challenges in healthcare delivery.
Programme Director,
Health Sector
Transformation Programme
Dr. Roni Ajao is the Executive Director and founder of MRL® Public Sector Consultants Limited, and leads the Health Sector Transformation Programme (HSTP) in Niger State, overseeing a team of over 550 staff engaged in the delivery of the programme's reforms. She reports directly to His Excellency, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, providing strategic advice on the health sector, and works closely with the Commissioner for Health, numerous other government officials, and key stakeholders to direct MRL®'s comprehensive support to Niger State. She brings over 25 years of high-level public sector consultancy experience, including senior roles at PricewaterhouseCoopers and PA Consulting, where she led major assignments across government, defence, and education, alongside international work for the United Nations, the World Bank, and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office - including an appointment as Special Technical Assistant to government ministers in Nigeria, reviewing policy across health, education, poverty alleviation, and infrastructure.
Through this role, Dr. Ajao directs MRL®'s comprehensive support to Niger State - from the assessment of health facilities, equipment, and workforce data to the broader strategic and policy work underpinning the state's drive to strengthen its healthcare system, improve service delivery, and deliver lasting reform for its communities.
Aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals
By enhancing healthcare quality, expanding access to essential services, and strengthening critical infrastructure, the HSTP and its Healthcare Facilities Assessment are driving real change - dedicated to:
Five outcomes that will define a healthier Niger State
The HSTP and its Healthcare Facility Assessment (HFA) are expected to deliver the following outcomes - measurable, transparent, and accountable to the public.
Join us in transforming
healthcare in Niger State
Key Stakeholders
The HSTP is delivered with leadership from the Niger State Government in line with Nigeria's policies for health and consulting expertise from MRL® Public Sector Consultants. The programme team works with numerous stakeholders, locally, nationally and internationally.
of Nigeria
Government
Ministry of Health
Public Sector Consultants