The Bulgarian Government has indicated its readiness to collaborate with the Ebonyi State Government on the development of a 1,200-bed Multifunctional University Hospital in the state.
The project, which will include associated clinics and an integrated emergency medical services system, is part of efforts to enhance healthcare delivery and promote international partnerships in the sector.
The Chargé d’Affaires of the Bulgarian Embassy in Abuja, Mr Ruben Pirontchev, gave the assurance during a meeting with a delegation of Bulgarian investors led by Ms Velichka Stamenova of Neuro Pharma Group Ltd.
Pirontchev said the Embassy was closely following the hospital initiative and viewed it as a significant step towards strengthening ties between Bulgaria and Nigeria.
“The Embassy will remain fully supportive of this initiative,” he stated. “We have many experienced Bulgarian experts who are eager to contribute to meaningful projects such as this. I look forward to receiving updates as the project progresses so that we can keep our government informed and engaged.”
He also commended Ambassador Young Piero Omatsaye, Africa Coordinator of Jet Age Nation Builders, for his role in facilitating the partnership, describing him as “a trusted friend of the Embassy” and “a highly respected, well-connected personality who represents Nigeria remarkably well across Europe and beyond.”
Pirontchev further praised the Ebonyi State Government for prioritising healthcare, noting that the proposed hospital would improve access to medical services while fostering stronger diplomatic and development ties between both countries.
Leading the Ebonyi delegation, the Commissioner for Grants and Donor Agencies, Hon Solomon Azi, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the project.
“Our governor is deeply passionate about the health needs of the people,” Azi said. “This project is in line with his vision to provide accessible and quality healthcare to every citizen. The Ebonyi Government is fully committed to supporting and facilitating this partnership.”
Ambassador Omatsaye explained that the project would be executed in phases — from construction to equipping and eventual management — to ensure sustainability.
He revealed that Ebonyi State would provide 30 per cent of the required funding, while Neuro Pharma Ltd and partner firms from Bulgaria, Turkey, and Rwanda would supply between 40 and 70 per cent. The arrangement, he added, also includes training components to build local capacity.
“This is not just about building a facility,” Omatsaye said. “It’s about creating a sustainable health system that can serve the people for generations.”
Ms Stamenova, Team Lead of Neuro Pharma Group Ltd, said Ebonyi was selected for the investment following positive assessments of its governance and readiness for collaboration.
“It’s a major project that covers every aspect of modern healthcare,” she said. “We are confident that, with the support of the Bulgarian Embassy and our Nigerian partners, this hospital will stand as a model for medical development in Africa.”
The proposed facility is expected to be among the largest of its kind in Nigeria and will reinforce Bulgaria’s growing role in supporting health-related projects across Africa.
