Nigeria has marked a major milestone in its healthcare journey with the commissioning of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Specialist Hospital in Kaduna, a facility aimed at reducing the country’s heavy reliance on medical treatment abroad.
The inauguration ceremony, attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other top government officials, was held in the state capital on Monday.
Former Vice President Namadi Sambo, who first conceptualised the project during his tenure as Kaduna State Governor over a decade ago, described the hospital’s commissioning as a significant step towards achieving world-class medical care locally.
Thank you, Kaduna. You did not disappoint.
What I witnessed today only reinforced a truth I firmly believe and hold dear: when governance is intentional, people-focused, and unified across all levels, real progress is not just attainable… real progress becomes an undeniable… pic.twitter.com/sIqg6IK8eh
— Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT) June 19, 2025
“By consenting to commission this hospital, Mr President, you affirm our national resolve to reverse outbound medical tourism, where billions of U.S. dollars are lost annually,” Sambo said, highlighting the economic and health benefits of the facility.
Sambo praised Governor Uba Sani for completing the long-stalled project within just 24 months, stating, “Where others failed, Governor Uba Sani delivered. He is indeed the master of projects.”
Read Also: Nigeria Commits to Nationwide Nutrition Intervention Scale-Up
He also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for endorsing the establishment of a cancer treatment centre within the hospital, a development expected to greatly enhance the facility’s capacity to manage complex and urgent cases locally.
The former Vice President further commended the Islamic Development Bank for financing what he called Africa’s largest health Ijara project, alongside the collaborative contributions of the Federal Ministries of Health and Finance, local financial institutions, and technical consultants.
While celebrating the hospital’s commissioning, Sambo raised concerns about the unreliable power supply that could hinder the hospital’s full functionality.
Back in The Aso Villa, I again thank the people of Kaduna State for their unflinching support of our administration. Indeed, I felt at home there. Our bond is unbreakable.
Our administration has a lot in store for the people of Kaduna State. The Federal Executive Council has… pic.twitter.com/fUNoebgIKS
— Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT) June 19, 2025
He called on the Nigerian government to expedite the completion of the 250MW thermal power plant in Kaduna, which has been stalled for over a decade despite being nearly completed.
“This is a low-hanging fruit. Completing it will not only power this world-class hospital but also serve the entire Kaduna metropolis,” he said, urging swift action to support the region’s healthcare and energy infrastructure.
The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Specialist Hospital is being positioned as a turning point in Nigeria’s healthcare system, with the goal of retaining medical expenditure within the country, reducing patient outflow, and providing Nigerians with access to advanced medical services at home.