Sokoto strengthens health data systems as EU delegation assesses service delivery

Gbolahan Salman Sokoto

Sokoto State government has stepped up reforms in its health data, regulatory and infrastructure systems ahead of its 2026 sector rollout, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar, has disclosed.

Speaking on Tuesday while briefing a European Union delegation at the state’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), Dr. Abubakar Umar Faruk, said the administration has prioritized data reliability and accountability to enhance planning, monitoring and service delivery.

According to him, the Ministry has strengthened its Monitoring, Research and Evaluation (MRE) department and upgraded the State Information Management System. The government has also produced new data collection tools and initiated an e-Health system expected to be expanded in 2026.

“These efforts are to provide excellent data collection and ensure better decision-making across our health services,” he said.

On regulatory reforms, Dr. Abubakar stated that provisions had been scaled across primary, secondary and tertiary levels, including infrastructure upgrades, procurement of medical equipment and improved staff training.

He noted that the 2026 budget proposal puts health as the leading sectoral priority, accounting for roughly 60 percent of government spending. The Commissioner said the proposal is currently before the State House of Assembly and expressed confidence it will be approved.

Providing updates on facilities, the Commissioner said the state renovated about 116 health centres under the income support programme, while another 61 primary centres were refurbished in 2025. Out of 242 primary health care centres (PHCs) in the state, 216 have been renovated, with more upgrades expected in 2026 based on priority needs.

Dr. Abubakar added that the state has instituted an accountability framework to manage basic health provision funds, ensuring facilities receive direct financing through independent accounts, develop business plans and operate sustainably.

He further disclosed that 132 PHCs are receiving additional support through the State Contributory Health Agency under the National Health Insurance Gateway.

The EU delegation, led by Massimo de Luca, Head of EU cooperation as well as representatives from UNICEF, Plan International, Action Against Hunger, International Alert and others, is in Sokoto ahead of a planned multi-agency health initiative expected to be launched in the state.