Niger State government is to partner with the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Niger State Chapter, to curb the menace of drug abuse in the state.

Governor Umaru Bago stated this when the Chairman, of the Niger State Chapter of the PSN, Pharmacist Yakubu Maji Isah led a delegation on a congratulatory visit to the Governor at the government house, Minna.

The Governor who expressed concern over the rising cases of drug abuse, said he will assign some of his Advisers to join the PSN in finding lasting solutions to the menace.

He said the state government is considering a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement where Private individuals or groups will run a pharmacy in a public hospital at a subsidized rate.

The Governor said the waiver for the employment of 1,000 health workers, may be increased to fill up the necessary gaps.

He assured them of his administration’s support at all times and also appealed for meaningful contributions by the PSN for the success of his government.

The Governor said business ventures must pay tax but that the state government can give waivers on some taxes depending on the value the business can add to the state.

The PSN State Chairman, Pharmacist Yakubu Maji Isah, said their visit was to congratulate the Governor on his assumption of office and pledged the willingness of the society to partner with the state government.

He highlighted some of the roles of the PSN, explaining that Pharmacists are key in health care delivery.

The Chairman said there are technical arms under the PSN, and that the group is faced with multiple taxes hence, he appealed for harmonization of the taxes for easy payments.

He requested increased staff strength at the Social Rehabilitation Centre, and for more to be replicated in all the zones of the state

Pharmacist Maji Isah said Niger state is one of the leading states in the provision of Pharmaceutical services hence, the Federal government has established a zonal office in Minna to serve the North Central States.

Bologi Ibrahim

Chief Press Secretary

to the Governor of Niger State.