Public outrage has continued to mount in Kebbi State following the circulation of images showing the parlous state of a primary health care centre in Suru Local Government Area, amid reports that the state government plans to spend ₦10 billion on a Hajj loan.
The facility, identified as Daniya Primary Health Care Centre, located in Daniya-Shema Ward, Suru LGA, was brought into the spotlight after an agriculturist and social commentator, Mallam Jabir, shared photographs of the centre on X (formerly Twitter).
“This is a primary health care centre in Kebbi State. The same Kebbi will be spending ₦10 billion for Hajj loan. Thanks,” he wrote.
The images, which have since gone viral, show a visibly neglected health facility, sparking widespread criticism and debate over the state government’s spending priorities.
The outrage comes against the backdrop of reports that the Kebbi State Government approved a ₦10 billion loan to secure additional Hajj slots for intending pilgrims.
While officials have reportedly defended the move as necessary to meet payment deadlines and protect the state’s allocation, many residents and online commentators argue that basic social services, particularly healthcare, should take precedence.
Several social media users expressed concern that primary healthcare centres — often the first point of contact for rural residents — remain poorly equipped and underfunded, despite the huge sums being committed to religious travel.
“This is where pregnant women, children, and the elderly are supposed to receive care,” one user wrote. “If this centre collapses, where do the people go?”
Others questioned the moral justification of borrowing such a large sum for pilgrimage support while essential facilities struggle to function.
Primary healthcare centres play a critical role in Nigeria’s health system, especially in rural communities where access to general hospitals is limited.
Experts have long warned that neglecting PHCs could worsen maternal and child mortality rates and increase preventable deaths.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kebbi State Government has not issued an official response to the images of Daniya PHC or the renewed criticism over the Hajj loan decision.
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