Muhammad Garba
Dutse—Jigawa State on Wednesday recorded a major milestone in its healthcare reform journey as Governor Malam Umar Namadi commissioned an ultra-modern Central Medical Store, a facility expected to significantly strengthen pharmaceutical management and improve service delivery across the state.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Dutse, Governor Namadi described the project as a historic achievement that reflects his administration’s commitment to building a resilient and efficient health system capable of meeting the needs of the population.
The governor explained that the Central Medical Store is the outcome of years of extensive consultation and collaboration involving the Jigawa State Government, the Federal Ministry of Health, the Global Fund, and UNICEF. He noted that the project was implemented in line with the National Supply Chain Policy for Pharmaceuticals and related products, ensuring that it meets national and international standards.
According to Governor Namadi, the partnership mobilised about ₦1.4 billion to successfully deliver the project, underscoring the value of strategic collaboration in addressing critical development challenges.
“These collaborative efforts committed 1.4 billion Naira towards the realization of this project,” the governor said.
He observed that persistent weaknesses in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical supply chain—ranging from inadequate infrastructure and weak coordination to frequent stock-outs, drug expiries, and wastages—have continued to undermine healthcare delivery. Governor Namadi said the newly commissioned Central Medical Store is strategically designed to confront these challenges through a harmonised and responsive management system that promotes efficiency, accountability, safety, and optimal service delivery.
He added that the facility aligns with the National Health Policy and supports the broader objective of achieving Universal Health Coverage, ensuring that quality and affordable medicines are consistently available to the people.
To maximise the benefits of the facility, the governor directed the State Ministry of Health to ensure that, with immediate effect, all health programmes and implementing partners move their pharmaceuticals and related products into the Central Medical Store. He said this measure would guarantee the quality, potency, and safety of medicines distributed across the state.
Governor Namadi also expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Health, the Global Fund, UNICEF, and other development partners for their sustained support, before formally commissioning the Central Medical Store for public use.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Muhammad Abdullahi Kainuwa, described the facility as the first state-built Central Medical Store of its kind in Jigawa’s history. He said the project would eliminate the long-standing reliance on rented private warehouses, reduce exposure to theft and losses, and ensure proper storage and systematic distribution of medicines to health facilities across the state.
Dr. Kainuwa further disclosed that the store ranks among the largest pharmaceutical facilities in the country, with the capacity to hold about 25,000 pallets. He highlighted key features of the complex to include multiple cold rooms, modern warehouse handling equipment, advanced IT systems, fire safety infrastructure, and dedicated cold-chain vehicles to support effective distribution.
With the commissioning of the Central Medical Store, the Jigawa State Government has taken a decisive step toward strengthening its healthcare supply chain, improving accountability in pharmaceutical management, and safeguarding the health of its citizens.
January 28, 2026
