Dutse, April 28, 2026
Jigawa state executive council has approved the creation of a stand alone health Department and the restructuring of the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Departments across all 27 Local Government Areas, to strengthen service delivery at the grassroots.
The state Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sport and Culture, Mr Sagir Musa made this known while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the weekly executive council meeting.
He said that the decision was in consideration of a report submitted by a committee chaired by the Head of Service, which was tasked with reviewing the existing administrative structure to improve efficiency in the health and sanitation sectors.
According to the report he said, the previous arrangement, where health and WASH functions were jointly managed, posed operational challenges that limited effectiveness.
“The committee therefore recommended the separation of the two critical sectors into distinct departments, to ensure better coordination and performance.
“After extensive deliberations, the council endorsed the recommendation and approved the establishment of independent Health and WASH Departments in each of the 27 local government areas.
“Each department will be led by a substantive Head of Department, a move expected to enhance leadership accountability and administrative clarity,” Musa explained.
He added that the aim is to redesign and improve coordination, strengthen institutional capacity, and ensure a more professional approach to delivering essential services.
The Commissioner noted that the reform will enable targeted interventions, quicker response to community needs, and improved monitoring of health and sanitation programmes.
The Council emphasized that the initiative aligns with the administration’s broader commitment to strengthening primary healthcare systems and promoting sustainable sanitation practices across the state.
With clearer structures and defined responsibilities, the Commissioner expressed confidence that the reform will significantly improve the well-being of citizens, particularly at the grassroots level where access to basic health and sanitation services remains critical.
