Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has unveiled a breathtaking Medical City project designed to transform healthcare delivery, reduce medical tourism, and position the state as a leading destination for specialised healthcare services in Nigeria and beyond.

The ceremony, performed by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, was graced by healthcare professionals, and development partners, showcased what has been described as one of the most ambitious healthcare infrastructure projects in Nigeria.

Eno described the project as one of the most audacious investments ever undertaken by his administration, saying the vision was conceived not only for the benefit of Akwa Ibom people, but also for Nigerians and Africans seeking access to quality healthcare services.

Eno expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating an enabling environment and providing support to sub-national governments through ongoing reforms.

He noted that the “Medical City aligns with the healthcare objectives of his administration’s ARISE Agenda as well as the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

The governor disclosed that the project occupies approximately 100 hectares of land, with various sections designated for different medical specialties and healthcare-related services.

According to him, the facility is designed to drastically reduce medical tourism by providing technologically advanced, patient-centred healthcare services 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 in the long term while creating employment opportunities and stimulating economic growth.

Eno also revealed that the state has employed 2,844 healthcare professionals since March 2025 as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare service delivery across Akwa Ibom.

He urged residents to take advantage of the state’s health insurance programmes, emphasising that universal health coverage remains critical to achieving sustainable healthcare outcomes.

In a related development, the governor further announced that Akwa Ibom would receive a brand-new aircraft terminal in July, a development expected to complement the state’s growing profile as a destination for investment and specialized healthcare services.

The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, congratulated Eno and the people of Akwa Ibom State for their vision and commitment to healthcare transformation.

Pate assured the state government of the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the successful completion and operation of the project.

He also pledged to facilitate engagement with Nigerian healthcare professionals in the diaspora who may be willing to contribute their expertise toward the development of the Medical City and the country’s healthcare sector.

The Minister urged the state government to consider making health insurance mandatory to ensure wider coverage and improved access to healthcare services for residents.

He commended Eno’s leadership and prayed for continued strength and wisdom to deliver on the vision for the people of Akwa Ibom State.

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

According to Dr Isokariari, the Medical City will comprise 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 specialized training six months before the completion of the facility to enable them operate the sophisticated equipment to be installed in the centre.

Isokarari further revealed that the structure is supported by 356 foundation piles to ensure maximum stability and durability, assuring stakeholders that the project would meet global standards.

“We are committed to ensuring that this dream becomes a reality,” he stated.

The Secretary-General of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Prof. Adamu, expressed delight over the project, describing it as a bold initiative that would significantly improve cancer treatment and healthcare delivery across Nigeria.

He assured the state government that cancer patients nationwide would benefit immensely from the facility upon completion.

Also speaking, the National President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Prof. Ernest, commended Governor Umo Eno’s remarkable investments in the health sector, noting that his achievements have become a model for other governors across the country.

He particularly praised the Governor for introducing retention allowances for healthcare workers, describing the initiative as a pioneering step toward addressing workforce challenges within the sector.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Housing, Dr. Henry Archibong, thanked the Governor for the opportunity to serve the state and contribute to the realization of the landmark project.

He commended Governor Eno’s deliberate commitment to improving the welfare and quality of life of Akwa Ibom people through impactful development initiatives.

The Medical City marks another milestone in Akwa Ibom’s healthcare development journey and reinforces the state’s ambition to become a regional hub for medical excellence, innovation, and specialized healthcare delivery.