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Niger Private Health Facilities Agency Issues One-Month Ultimatum for Registration, Revalidation
01 May 2026
The newly appointed Executive Chairman of the Niger State Private Health Facilities Agency, Dr. Suleiman Abdullahi, has issued a one-month ultimatum to all private health facility owners in the State to register or revalidate their operational licenses, as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare standards and regulatory compliance.
Dr. Abdullahi made this known during a phone-in radio programme on Prestige FM, marking his first official public engagement since assuming office. He announced that the compliance window will run from 1st of April to 1st May, 2026, warning that facilities operating outside the regulatory framework will face sanctions.
According to him, all private health establishments including hospitals, clinics, and health-related service providers not owned by the government, fall under the regulatory mandate of the agency. He stressed that licensing is not optional, describing unlicensed practice as a serious violation of medical ethics and public safety standards.
According to him, any facility operating without proper registration or valid license is acting outside the law. Even qualified practitioners must be duly licensed and renew their certification annually in line with regulatory requirements, he stated.
The Executive Chairman explained that the Agency has been restructured into six functional units, comprising both technical and non-technical departments, with core focus on Monitoring, Inspection, and Operations. These units, he noted, will be responsible for routine and unannounced inspections of health facilities across the State.
He further disclosed that one of the Agency’s immediate priorities is to conduct a comprehensive census of private health facilities to determine the exact number, identify those operating legally, and clamp down on unregistered and substandard establishments.
Dr. Abdullahi also clarified the boundaries of regulatory responsibilities, noting that while Pharmacies and Patent medicine stores within private health facilities fall under the Agency’s oversight, standalone Pharmaceutical outlets remain under the jurisdiction of relevant professional bodies. However, he emphasized that the Agency will collaborate with such bodies where cases of malpractice arise.
To ensure effective grassroots monitoring, the Agency plans to partner with Local Government health departments, leveraging their proximity and knowledge of communities. He added that facility owners must meet strict criteria before registration, including structural standards, qualified staffing, and proof of professional licensing.
In addition to registration, facilities are required to display their certificates visibly. Failure to do so will attract penalties adding that the Agency will also conduct periodic unannounced inspections at least two to three times annually to ensure sustained compliance, he said.
Dr. Abdullahi highlighted that the initiative aligns with the New Niger Health Agenda of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, aimed at improving access to quality, safe, and affordable healthcare services. He noted that private healthcare providers contribute between 30 to 40 percent of service delivery in the State, underscoring the need for effective regulation.
He called on residents to support the Agency by reporting illegal or substandard practices, describing healthcare regulation as a collective responsibility.
He reiterated that the goal is not to punish but to ensure that all Nigerlites receive healthcare services that meet acceptable standards and to support facility owners while safeguarding public health.
The Executive Chairman expressed appreciation to the Executive Governor, the Ministry of Health, and other stakeholders for their support, reaffirming the Agency’s commitment to delivering internationally compliant healthcare standards across Niger State.
Dr. Abdullahi made this known during a phone-in radio programme on Prestige FM, marking his first official public engagement since assuming office. He announced that the compliance window will run from 1st of April to 1st May, 2026, warning that facilities operating outside the regulatory framework will face sanctions.
According to him, all private health establishments including hospitals, clinics, and health-related service providers not owned by the government, fall under the regulatory mandate of the agency. He stressed that licensing is not optional, describing unlicensed practice as a serious violation of medical ethics and public safety standards.
According to him, any facility operating without proper registration or valid license is acting outside the law. Even qualified practitioners must be duly licensed and renew their certification annually in line with regulatory requirements, he stated.
The Executive Chairman explained that the Agency has been restructured into six functional units, comprising both technical and non-technical departments, with core focus on Monitoring, Inspection, and Operations. These units, he noted, will be responsible for routine and unannounced inspections of health facilities across the State.
He further disclosed that one of the Agency’s immediate priorities is to conduct a comprehensive census of private health facilities to determine the exact number, identify those operating legally, and clamp down on unregistered and substandard establishments.
Dr. Abdullahi also clarified the boundaries of regulatory responsibilities, noting that while Pharmacies and Patent medicine stores within private health facilities fall under the Agency’s oversight, standalone Pharmaceutical outlets remain under the jurisdiction of relevant professional bodies. However, he emphasized that the Agency will collaborate with such bodies where cases of malpractice arise.
To ensure effective grassroots monitoring, the Agency plans to partner with Local Government health departments, leveraging their proximity and knowledge of communities. He added that facility owners must meet strict criteria before registration, including structural standards, qualified staffing, and proof of professional licensing.
In addition to registration, facilities are required to display their certificates visibly. Failure to do so will attract penalties adding that the Agency will also conduct periodic unannounced inspections at least two to three times annually to ensure sustained compliance, he said.
Dr. Abdullahi highlighted that the initiative aligns with the New Niger Health Agenda of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, aimed at improving access to quality, safe, and affordable healthcare services. He noted that private healthcare providers contribute between 30 to 40 percent of service delivery in the State, underscoring the need for effective regulation.
He called on residents to support the Agency by reporting illegal or substandard practices, describing healthcare regulation as a collective responsibility.
He reiterated that the goal is not to punish but to ensure that all Nigerlites receive healthcare services that meet acceptable standards and to support facility owners while safeguarding public health.
The Executive Chairman expressed appreciation to the Executive Governor, the Ministry of Health, and other stakeholders for their support, reaffirming the Agency’s commitment to delivering internationally compliant healthcare standards across Niger State.