The Jigawa State Government has commenced the implementation of the Nigerian government’s Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) initiative, aimed at unifying health budget allocations and planning from the federal to local government levels.
The process began with a four-day capacity-building workshop in Dutse, involving key stakeholders from across the state’s health sector.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Tuesday, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr Kabiru Ibrahim, described the initiative as both timely and essential to enhancing the efficiency of health sector operations.
“SWAp will promote efficiency, transparency, and accountability in public healthcare funding and spending across all tiers of government,” Dr Ibrahim stated.
He noted that the initiative would also provide a framework to monitor donor partner activities, ensuring that all contributions align with both national and state-level health priorities.
“We are in the process of creating a dedicated website to consolidate all public health efforts under one plan, one mechanism, and one evaluation and funding system,” he added.
Read Also: WHO, UNICEF Report High Global Infant Vaccination
Real-Time Monitoring and Coordination
Mr Gebiral Peter, representing the Federal Ministry of Health, reaffirmed that the SWAp initiative seeks to harmonise healthcare projects and policies, thereby eliminating duplication and avoiding policy inconsistencies.
He explained that the digital platform under development would allow the public real-time access to data on activities and expenditures at health facilities across Nigeria.
“This system will enhance coordination and ultimately deliver more effective healthcare solutions nationwide,” Peter noted.
Capacity Building and Stakeholder Engagement
Mr Atiku Hafizu, SWAp Coordinating Officer for Jigawa and Special Adviser to Governor Umar Namadi, disclosed that 70 stakeholders were participating in the training session.
He highlighted that the workshop was designed to provide participants with the technical knowledge and clarity of roles necessary to successfully implement the programme in the state.
“Our goal is to ensure that every stakeholder understands their part in achieving the overall objectives of SWAp, which include integrated planning, resource alignment, and improved healthcare delivery,” Hafizu said.
The Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) is part of the Nigerian government’s broader Health Sector Renewal Investment Programme, which seeks to ensure greater equity, accessibility, and accountability within the health system by aligning funding, policy, and operational frameworks at all levels.