The Federal Government has described the Ibom Medical City Project in Akwa Ibom State as a landmark investment that will strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, expand access to specialised medical services, and reduce the country’s dependence on medical tourism abroad.
Speaking at the unveiling and groundbreaking ceremony of the 350-bed Ibom International Hospital and Ibom Medical City Project in Uyo on Monday, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said the initiative reflects the kind of strategic investment needed to transform the nation’s health sector.
“The Ibom Medical City Project represents the kind of bold investment needed to accelerate health sector transformation, improve health outcomes, and reduce the need for outbound medical tourism,” Pate said.
He said the project aligns with the Federal Government’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and demonstrates growing confidence in Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem.
According to the minister, “the project aligns with the Federal Government’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem.”
Pate also credited President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda with creating an enabling environment for investments, innovation and the development of critical infrastructure across the country.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the health sector, saying, “the Federal Government remains committed to policies and reforms that unlock investment, strengthen health systems, expand access to quality healthcare services, and support the development of world-class medical facilities capable of serving Nigerians and the wider region.”
The Ibom Medical City Project, located on about 100 hectares of land, is designed as an integrated healthcare ecosystem featuring a 350-bed international hospital, 62 medical specialties, medical residences, pharmaceutical and life sciences facilities, rehabilitation centres and other healthcare support services.
The project is also expected to support medical research and innovation, improve specialist healthcare delivery and create employment opportunities.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, described the initiative as one of the most ambitious healthcare investments in the state’s history.
“This is one of the most ambitious healthcare investments in the history of Akwa Ibom State, designed to deliver world-class healthcare services while contributing to economic growth and human capital development,” Eno said.
The governor disclosed that the state government has employed 2,844 healthcare professionals since March 2025 and plans to sponsor the overseas training of 100 Akwa Ibom indigenes to support the operation of the facility upon completion.
The Federal Government commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for its vision and commitment to healthcare development, noting that “partnerships and investments of this scale are critical to achieving the goal of building a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous health sector that delivers better outcomes for all Nigerians.”