Sokoto suspends primary health care boss, appoints acting replacement

The Sokoto State Government has suspended the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Larai Aliyu Tambuwal.

Her suspension, approved by Governor Ahmed Aliyu, was contained in a letter dated October 2, 2025, and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Ibrahim Haliru Dingyadi, on behalf of the Commissioner for Health.

According to the letter, Dr. Bilyaminu Sifawa has been appointed to assume the position as Acting Executive Secretary of the agency with immediate effect.

The correspondence, addressed to the Special Adviser on the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, also noted that the governor’s approval was attached for perusal and implementation.

The reason for Tambuwal’s suspension was not disclosed, but the decision marks a significant shift in the leadership of the state’s health care system.

The Primary Health Care Development Agency plays a vital role in strengthening health services, particularly in rural areas, and ensuring access to quality care for Sokoto residents. Analysts suggest that the leadership change may have wide-ranging implications for ongoing health programmes in the state.