By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu
The Yobe State Drugs and Medical Consumables Management Agency (YODMA) has concluded a three-day workshop on forecasting and quantification aimed at strengthening its 2026–2027 procurement planning cycle.
The agency said the exercise would ensure an uninterrupted supply of essential medicines across the state.
In a statement issued by the Information and Public Relations Officer of YODMA, Suleiman Gambo Bakoro, the workshop ended on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Travel View Hotel, Damaturu.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of YODMA, Pharmacist Abdul’aziz Garba Muhammad, said the agency is collaborating with accredited manufacturers to guarantee a steady supply of drugs, medical consumables, and laboratory reagents to health facilities across Yobe State.
He described forecasting and quantification as critical tools for ensuring uninterrupted supply, effective resource mobilisation, and strategic procurement planning. He added that the 2026 cycle would, for the first time, incorporate public health commodities into the quantification process.
Muhammad noted that healthcare service delivery remains a top priority of the administration of Governor Mai Mala Buni, assuring that YODMA would continue to prioritise the health needs of residents by providing high-quality medical supplies in line with the state government’s health agenda. He also urged technical staff to actively participate in the agency’s programmes.
Earlier, the Director of Procurement, Pharmacist Muhammad Barau, outlined the objectives of the workshop, which included developing reliable forecasts for essential drugs and consumables, quantifying commodities based on consumption data, analysing supply chain trends to identify potential bottlenecks, and aligning procurement with actual health facility needs.
He added that the workshop also aimed to strengthen YODMA’s capacity for responsive decision-making in commodity management.
Barau stated that the expected outcomes include a reduction in stock-out rates at both central and zonal warehouses, improved efficiency in procurement planning, enhanced data management and analytical capacity, and better coordination among stakeholders and development partners.
He commended participants for their contributions to the success of the 2026 quantification exercise.
Highlights of the workshop included presentations on commodity generation and funding requirements, data consolidation, and forecast reconciliation.
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