UYO – Akwa Ibom State has taken a giant leap towards becoming a regional healthcare powerhouse with the unveiling of an ambitious Medical City project by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, in Uyo.

The landmark initiative, conceived by the administration of Governor Umo Eno, is designed to revolutionise healthcare delivery, drastically reduce medical tourism and position Akwa Ibom as a leading destination for specialised healthcare services in Nigeria and across Africa.

Describing the project as one of the most audacious healthcare infrastructure investments in Nigeria’s history, Prof. Pate said the Medical City represents a bold statement of the country’s determination to build a world-class healthcare system capable of retaining patients and attracting medical expertise from across the continent.

The unveiling ceremony drew healthcare professionals, development partners and industry stakeholders who witnessed the presentation of a project expected to redefine Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.

Speaking at the event, Governor Umo Eno described the Medical City as a transformational investment that transcends physical infrastructure to secure the future health and economic prosperity of generations to come.

Quoting Habakkuk 2:2, the Governor said the vision was deliberately conceived to serve not only Akwa Ibom people but also Nigerians and Africans seeking quality healthcare services without the burden of travelling abroad.

“This is not merely a construction project; it is an investment in the future health and prosperity of our people,” he said.

Governor Eno commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating an enabling environment for sub-national governments through ongoing reforms, noting that the Medical City aligns seamlessly with the state’s ARISE Agenda and the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Situated on approximately 100 hectares of land, the Medical City will accommodate multiple specialised medical centres and healthcare support facilities equipped to deliver technologically advanced, patient-centred services that meet international standards.

The Governor said the project would significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign medical treatment, create thousands of employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth within and beyond the state.

In a further demonstration of his administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery, Governor Eno disclosed that 2,844 healthcare professionals have been employed across the state since March 2025.

He also urged residents to embrace the state’s health insurance programmes, emphasising that universal health coverage remains central to sustainable healthcare development.

The Governor further announced that Akwa Ibom would inaugurate a new aircraft terminal in July, a development expected to complement the state’s growing profile as a destination for investment, tourism and specialised healthcare services.

Delivering his keynote address, Prof. Pate commended Governor Eno for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to improving the wellbeing of citizens.

He described the Medical City as a practical demonstration of the healthcare reforms being championed by President Tinubu.

“You have shown remarkable vision, commitment and passion for your people. What we are witnessing here today reflects the aspirations of the Federal Government’s healthcare reform agenda,” the Minister stated.

Prof. Pate assured the state of the Federal Government’s support towards the successful completion and operation of the project, while pledging to facilitate partnerships with Nigerian healthcare professionals in the diaspora to contribute their expertise to the initiative.

He also advised the state government to consider making health insurance compulsory to guarantee wider access to quality healthcare services.

Providing technical details, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Emmanuel Ekem John, and the Project Manager, Dr Teinye Isokariari, described the Medical City as “more than a hospital, but a journey towards healthcare excellence.”

Dr Isokariari disclosed that the facility would comprise a 10-storey complex housing 62 medical specialties and fitted with state-of-the-art technology capable of delivering world-class healthcare services.

He further revealed that 100 Akwa Ibom indigenes would be sent abroad for specialised training six months before the facility becomes operational to enable them manage the sophisticated equipment to be installed at the centre.

According to him, the project is supported by 356 foundation piles to guarantee structural stability and long-term durability.

“We are committed to ensuring that this dream becomes a reality,” he said.

Also speaking, the Secretary-General of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Prof. Adamu, described the project as a bold intervention that would significantly improve cancer treatment and healthcare delivery nationwide.

Similarly, the National President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Prof. Bala Audu, applauded Governor Eno’s investments in the health sector, describing them as a model worthy of emulation by other states.

He particularly commended the introduction of retention allowances for healthcare workers, noting that the initiative could help address Nigeria’s persistent healthcare workforce shortages.

The Commissioner for Housing, Dr Henry Archibong, also praised the Governor for prioritising people-centred development and improving the quality of life of Akwa Ibom residents.

According to him, “With the unveiling of the Medical City, Akwa Ibom has firmly positioned itself on the path to becoming a regional hub for medical excellence, innovation and specialised healthcare delivery, heralding a new era in Nigeria’s healthcare development trajectory”.