President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority’s (NSIA) healthcare expansion program, which aims to retrain 120,000 frontline health workers and establish ten state-of-the-art oncology and diagnostic facilities across the country.
According to a statement by Tinubu’s spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, the initiative is part of the government’s efforts to enhance the health and well-being of Nigerians, stimulate economic development, and position the nation as a healthcare hub in Africa.
The healthcare expansion program will see the creation of ten world-class healthcare centers specializing in oncology and diagnostics across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. This builds on the success of previous NSIA projects, such as the NSIA-Lagos University Teaching Hospital Cancer Centre, the NSIA-Kano Diagnostic Centre, and the NSIA-Umuahia Diagnostic Centre. Additionally, these new facilities will support the ongoing expansion of cancer infrastructure and equipment in six federal teaching hospitals.
President Tinubu emphasized that these new facilities would not only provide essential healthcare services but also help curb the trend of outbound medical tourism. Upon completion of the first phase, the NSIA’s subsidiary, Medserve, will operate the largest network of oncology and diagnostic centers in West Africa. The facilities are expected to train up to 500 clinicians over three years and enhance clinical trial and research capabilities.
Tinubu expressed his gratitude to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and the NSIA for their efforts in bringing the program to fruition. He highlighted the importance of inter-sectoral partnerships in achieving significant healthcare and economic outcomes.
In addition to the healthcare expansion program, President Tinubu launched the retraining of 120,000 frontline health workers, an initiative that aligns with his role as the African Union Champion for Human Resources for Health and Community Health Delivery Partnership. He emphasized the critical role of health workers in the healthcare system and the need to equip them with the latest skills and knowledge to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the population.
The President affirmed the importance of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), stating that the nation’s productivity and wealth depend on the vitality of its people. He emphasized that basic healthcare and national security are fundamental human rights and highlighted the strategic direction provided by the NHSRII in areas such as maternal and child health, disease prevention, and health system strengthening.
Tinubu also underscored the significance of partnerships with state governors and development partners in advancing the health sector, noting that these collaborations have fostered alignment and accountability toward achieving national health goals. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to prioritizing healthcare, enhancing preventive measures, investing in health education, and promoting health equity and justice.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed praised President Tinubu for his significant investments in the health sector, acknowledging the collaboration between federal and state governments in launching impactful projects for all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation.
