FG Backs Akwa Ibom’s Ambitious Medical City Project to Curb Medical Tourism

The Federal Government has formally pledged its support for the development of the Ibom Medical City in Akwa Ibom State, marking a significant step in the administration’s efforts to upgrade national healthcare infrastructure and reduce reliance on medical tourism.

Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, announced the federal commitment during the official unveiling of the project in Uyo on Tuesday. He praised the Akwa Ibom State Government for its strategic vision, noting that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broader healthcare reform agenda.

The Minister also promised to assist in connecting the project with Nigerian healthcare professionals in the diaspora to ensure the facility is staffed with top-tier expertise.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, described the project as a cornerstone of his administration’s “ARISE Agenda.” According to the Governor, the facility is designed to serve as a premier destination for specialized medical care, not only for residents of Akwa Ibom but for patients from across Nigeria and the African continent.

The ambitious project, which covers approximately 100 hectares, will be anchored by a 10-storey complex featuring 62 distinct medical specialties. Project manager, Dr. Isokariari, confirmed that the facility will be equipped with advanced medical technology. To ensure the center is operated to global standards, the state government has planned a specialized training program, which includes sending 100 indigenous medical professionals abroad for advanced technical training ahead of the facility’s completion.

Governor Eno highlighted that the state has already recruited over 2,800 healthcare workers since March 2025 as part of a sustained effort to improve service delivery. He further encouraged residents to embrace the state’s health insurance programs, emphasizing that universal health coverage is essential for the long-term success of the new medical city.

Stakeholders, including the Nigerian Cancer Society, have hailed the project as a critical development that promises to enhance specialized treatment options, particularly for complex medical conditions, across the country.