A Season of Impact: How Dr. Gaza Gwamna Is Rewriting Nasarawa State’s Health Story

Between November and December 2025, Nasarawa State’s health sector recorded a string of high-impact milestones that did not happen by chance. They were the product of deliberate leadership, strategic partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to people-centred healthcare under the stewardship of the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Gaza Gwamna, and the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, Executive Governor of Nasarawa State.

Within just two months, Nasarawa State not only gained national recognition—it firmly announced its arrival as a rising force in Nigeria’s health governance landscape.

In November 2025, all eyes turned to Calabar as states jostled for the prestigious right to host the 2026 National Council on Health (NCH)—Nigeria’s highest health policy-making forum. Against strong competition, Nasarawa State emerged victorious.

Led by Dr. Gaza Gwamna, the state’s delegation made a compelling case that spoke to preparedness, reform-driven leadership, and a clear vision for health system strengthening. The result was historic: for the first time ever, Nasarawa State will host the National Council on Health.

Beyond prestige, this achievement signals national confidence in Nasarawa’s health reforms and places the state at the centre of critical conversations that shape Nigeria’s health policies.

On 9 December 2025, another major milestone was recorded as Nasarawa State ranked first in the North Central Zone in health insurance enrollment, as assessed by the Wellahealth Foundation.

This achievement reflects a clear policy direction under Dr. Gwamna: healthcare must be accessible, affordable, and financially protective. By prioritising health insurance expansion, the administration is reducing out-of-pocket spending and ensuring that more families can seek care without fear of financial ruin.

It is a practical demonstration that reform is not just about policy—but about easing the daily burdens of ordinary citizens.

Barely three days later, on 12 December 2025, Nasarawa State once again took centre stage—this time at the 2025 Primary Health Care (PHC) Leadership Challenge Awards. Emerging as the Best Performing State in the North Central Zone, the state secured a $500,000 grant in recognition of its outstanding performance in primary healthcare delivery.

This award affirms the state’s investments in frontline health systems, strong leadership at the primary care level, and a results-driven approach that prioritises communities where healthcare matters most.

Taken together, these achievements tell a powerful story—one of a health sector on the rise, guided by purposeful leadership and supported by a governor whose commitment to development remains unwavering.

Under Governor Abdullahi A. Sule’s administration and Dr. Gaza Gwamna’s focused stewardship, Nasarawa State is consolidating gains, attracting national recognition, and setting new benchmarks for health sector performance in the North Central region and beyond.

As the state prepares to host the nation in 2026, one message is unmistakable: Nasarawa State is not just participating in Nigeria’s health agenda—it is helping to shape it.