RismadarVoice Reporters, June 23, 2026
The Federal Government of Nigeria has pledged full support for the successful delivery of the Ibom International Hospital and Medical City Project, as Akwa Ibom State officially flagged off construction of the ambitious healthcare facility aimed at transforming medical service delivery in Nigeria and West Africa.
The assurance was given on Tuesday by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, during the groundbreaking ceremony and turning of the sod for the 350-bed Ibom International Hospital and Medical City located along the Uyo–Ikot Ekpene Road.
Prof. Pate described the project as a bold and visionary investment in healthcare and commended Governor Umo Eno for his commitment to improving the wellbeing of the people through strategic infrastructure development.
According to the Minister, the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Federal Government’s broader efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery across the country.
“We will commit ourselves to ensuring that this project comes alive. Together, we will build a healthier, more prosperous Akwa Ibom and a stronger Nigeria,” Pate stated.
Speaking at the event, Governor Eno said the project represents a major milestone in his administration’s healthcare development agenda and is designed to reverse medical tourism while positioning Akwa Ibom as a leading healthcare destination in Africa.
He noted that the hospital and medical city project is consistent with his administration’s ARISE Agenda and complements ongoing investments in aviation, including the expansion of Ibom Air and the international profile of the Victor Attah International Airport.
The Governor expressed confidence that the facility, expected to be completed by June 2027, would attract investments, create jobs, boost medical tourism, and contribute significantly to the state’s economy.
“We came to serve our people, and we remain committed to building on the solid foundations laid by past leaders of the State,” he said.
The project also received commendations from stakeholders in the healthcare sector.
A representative of the Nigeria Cancer Society, Prof. Adamu, described the Medical City as a transformative intervention that would improve access to specialised healthcare services, particularly for cancer patients.
Similarly, the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Prof. Afekhide Ernest Omoti, hailed the initiative as a landmark investment with far-reaching benefits for Akwa Ibom, the South-South region, and Nigeria as a whole, urging other state governments to emulate the state’s healthcare development model.
Chairmen of Ibiono Ibom and Ikono Local Government Areas, where the project is situated, pledged the support of their communities and assured the government of adequate protection for the investment.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem Emmanuel John, described the project as the beginning of a new healthcare economy in Akwa Ibom State.
He explained that the Medical City would consist of four key components: healthcare services, pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical education, and commercial development, all designed to position the state as a hub for advanced healthcare and medical innovation.
The Project Coordinator, Mr Solari of Tokiye Integrated Medical Services Limited (TIMS), assured stakeholders that the facility would be delivered using world-class technology and international best practices to ensure quality, durability, and operational excellence.
In his vote of thanks, the Commissioner for Housing, Dr Henry Archibong, described the project as another demonstration of Governor Eno’s commitment to sustainable development and people-centred governance.
Designed as a Joint Commission International (JCI)-accredited quaternary referral centre, the Ibom International Hospital will offer more than 30 medical specialities and feature advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, including robotic surgery, transplant services, and cutting-edge oncology facilities.
The nine-storey facility, covering approximately 37,000 square metres, will also include a 2-megawatt solar farm, helipad, wellness gardens, smart building systems, and sophisticated medical equipment such as PET-CT scanners, 3T MRI, Cyclotron, Linear Accelerator, and Da Vinci robotic surgery suites.
Beyond healthcare delivery, the project is projected to create over 1,500 jobs during construction and more than 500 permanent jobs upon completion, while stimulating economic activities and establishing Akwa Ibom as a premier medical hub in Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
