Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has unveiled a state-of-the-art Medical City project aimed at transforming healthcare delivery, reducing medical tourism, and positioning the state as a leading destination for specialised healthcare services in Nigeria and across Africa.

The project was unveiled on Wednesday by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, in the presence of healthcare professionals, development partners, industry stakeholders, and government officials. The facility has been described as one of the most ambitious healthcare infrastructure projects in Nigeria.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Eno described the Medical City as one of the boldest investments undertaken by his administration.

Drawing inspiration from Habakkuk 2:2, he said the vision was conceived not only for the benefit of Akwa Ibom people but also for Nigerians and Africans seeking access to world-class healthcare.

The governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating an enabling environment through ongoing reforms that support sub-national governments.

He noted that the Medical City aligns with his administration’s ARISE Agenda and the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to Eno, the project sits on about 100 hectares of land, with dedicated sections for various medical specialties, research, training, and healthcare support services.

He said the facility is designed to drastically reduce medical tourism by providing technologically advanced, patient-centred healthcare comparable to global standards.

“This project is not just a construction project; it is an investment in the future health and prosperity of our people,” the governor said.
He added that the Medical City is expected to become financially self-sustaining while creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs and stimulating economic growth in the state.
Governor Eno also disclosed that his administration has employed 2,844 healthcare professionals since March 2025 to strengthen healthcare delivery across Akwa Ibom.

He urged residents to enrol in the state’s health insurance schemes, stressing that universal health coverage remains critical to achieving sustainable healthcare outcomes.

The governor further announced that Akwa Ibom would receive a new aircraft terminal in July, a development he said would complement the state’s growing profile as a destination for investment, tourism and specialised healthcare.

In his keynote address, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, commended Governor Eno for his vision and commitment to transforming healthcare in the state.
He described the Medical City as a practical demonstration of the healthcare reforms being championed under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“You have shown remarkable vision, commitment and passion for your people. What we are witnessing here reflects the aspirations of the Federal Government’s healthcare reform agenda,” the minister said.

Pate assured the state government of the Federal Government’s support for the successful completion and operation of the project.

He also pledged to facilitate engagement with Nigerian healthcare professionals in the diaspora who are willing to contribute their expertise to the Medical City and Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

The minister advised the state government to consider making health insurance mandatory to expand coverage and improve access to quality healthcare services.

Providing an overview of the project, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Emmanuel Ekem John, and the Project Manager, Dr. Teinye Isokariari, described the Medical City as more than a hospital, calling it “a journey towards healthcare excellence.”

Dr. Isokariari said the facility would feature a 10-storey complex housing 62 medical specialties and equipped with cutting-edge technology capable of delivering world-class healthcare services.

He disclosed that 100 Akwa Ibom indigenes would be sent abroad for specialised training six months before the project’s completion to prepare them to operate the sophisticated medical equipment that will be installed at the facility.

According to him, the structure is supported by 356 foundation piles to guarantee maximum stability and durability.

“We are committed to ensuring that this dream becomes a reality,” he said.
The Secretary-General of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Prof. Adamu, described the project as a bold initiative that would significantly improve cancer treatment and specialised healthcare delivery across Nigeria.

He said cancer patients nationwide would benefit immensely from the facility upon completion.

Also speaking, the National President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Prof. Bala Audu, commended Governor Eno’s investments in the health sector, describing them as a model for other states.

He particularly praised the introduction of retention allowances for healthcare workers, saying the initiative would help address the challenge of workforce retention in the health sector.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Housing, Dr. Henry Archibong, thanked the governor for the opportunity to contribute to the delivery of what he described as a landmark healthcare project.

He said the Medical City reflects Governor Eno’s commitment to improving the welfare and quality of life of the people of Akwa Ibom through impactful development initiatives.

When completed, the Medical City is expected to reinforce Akwa Ibom’s ambition to become a regional hub for medical excellence, innovation, research and specialised healthcare delivery.