Akwa Ibom State has unveiled the Ibom International Hospital and Ibom Medical City Project, a major healthcare infrastructure initiative aimed at expanding specialised healthcare services, reducing medical tourism, attracting investment and positioning the state as a regional hub for medical excellence.
The project, which spans approximately 100 hectares and includes a 350-bed hospital, aligns with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda and the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, highlighting growing collaboration between federal and state authorities in advancing healthcare development and human capital outcomes.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, commended Governor Eno’s leadership and healthcare vision.
“I want to congratulate the government of Akwa Ibom State and the people of Akwa Ibom State.Where there is no vision, the people perish, here in Akwa Ibom, we have a leader, a governor that has clarity of vision.” The Health Minister stated.
Prof. Pate said the state’s investments in primary healthcare infrastructure, workforce recruitment and retention programmes, and residency training were laying the foundation for a stronger healthcare system.
“In health in Akwa Ibom, you built primary health care centres. You recruited health workers. I have been to some of those. You have provided the enablement, the retention program, and the residency training funds. All the commitments that you have made on human resources in addition to the infrastructure. Those are all the building blocks for a health system that will deliver for the people.”
The Minister linked progress in the health sector to ongoing economic reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that increased fiscal resources were enabling greater investment in development across the states.
“With the withdrawal of subsidy, with the monetary policy reforms, with the tax reforms, the revenue of this country is increasing. The revenue as a portion of our GDP is increasing. Some of this revenue is what is now coming to the states. And we are seeing you use those resources to transform the lives of our people.”
Highlighting outcomes recorded in the health sector, he stated: “We have seen a reduction by 17% of maternal mortality compared to 2023 in 2025. We have seen a reduction by 10% of newborn mortality in Nigeria. This is a fact. Malaria is 15% prevalence according to the malaria indicator survey, the lowest it has been for a very long time, almost unprecedented. We have seen more than 6 million Nigerians added to health insurance roles in three years.”
According to the Minister, more than 3,000 primary healthcare centres have been revitalised nationwide, while nearly 70,000 frontline health workers have been retrained through collaborative efforts between the Federal Government and the States.
Prof. Pate also pledged federal support for the Medical City project and expressed optimism that it would attract patients and healthcare professionals from across Nigeria, Africa and beyond.
“You have created a hub that within three hours of flight from Akwa Ibom, there are at least 300 million people. If you build this medical city as you have started to do with Ibom Air, with the airport that you have, with the ecosystem that you have pulled together, not only will you provide world-class services for your citizens, or for citizens of the South South, the entire country, domestic medical tourists will come. Regional medical tourists will come.” He said.
Unveiling the project, Governor Umo Eno described the Medical City as one of the most audacious investments undertaken by his administration.
Referencing Habakkuk 2:2, the Governor said the vision was conceived to transform healthcare delivery, reduce medical tourism and provide access to quality healthcare services for Nigerians and Africans.
“This project is not just a construction project; it is an investment in the future health and prosperity of our people.”
Governor Eno said the facility would deliver technologically advanced, patient-centred healthcare services comparable to global standards while becoming financially self-sustaining over time.
The Governor disclosed that Akwa Ibom State has employed 2,844 healthcare professionals since March 2025 as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare service delivery across the state.
He also urged residents to embrace available health insurance programmes, stressing that universal health coverage remains critical to achieving sustainable healthcare outcomes.
Governor Eno further announced that the state would receive a new aircraft terminal in July, a development expected to complement its growing profile as a destination for investment and specialised healthcare services.
Providing an overview of the project, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Emmanuel Ekem John, and the Project Manager, Dr Teinye Isokariari, described the facility as more than a hospital and “a journey” towards healthcare excellence.
Dr Isokariari disclosed that the Medical City would comprise a 10-storey complex housing 62 medical specialities and equipped with cutting-edge technology for world-class healthcare delivery.
He further revealed that 100 Akwa Ibom indigenes would be sent abroad for specialised training six months before the facility’s completion to operate the sophisticated equipment to be installed.
According to him, the structure is supported by 356 foundation piles designed to ensure maximum stability and durability.
“We are committed to ensuring that this dream becomes a reality.” Dr Isokariari assured.
Also speaking, the Secretary-General of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Prof. Adamu Danladi Bojude, expressed delight over the project, describing it as a bold initiative that would significantly improve cancer treatment and healthcare delivery across Nigeria.
He also gave the assurance that the state government would ensure that cancer patients nationwide would benefit immensely from the facility upon completion.
Meanwhile, the National President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Prof. Afekhide Ernest Omoti, commended Governor Eno’s remarkable investments in the health sector, noting that his achievements have become a model for other governors across the country.
He particularly praised the Governor for introducing retention allowances for healthcare workers, describing the initiative as a pioneering step towards addressing workforce challenges within the sector.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Housing, Dr Henry Archibong, thanked the Governor for the opportunity to contribute to the realisation of the landmark project and his deliberate commitment to improving the welfare and quality of life of Akwa Ibom people through impactful development initiatives.
The unveiling of the project, described as one of the most ambitious healthcare infrastructure projects in the country, was graced by healthcare professionals, industry stakeholders, and development partners, including the Minister of State for Petroleum Gas, Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo.
The Ibom Medical City project, upon completion will strengthen healthcare infrastructure, expand access to specialised medical services, support workforce development, stimulate economic growth and reinforce Akwa Ibom State’s ambition to become a regional centre for medical excellence, innovation and specialised healthcare delivery.
