Tinubu Approves N558bn Health Projects
…. Including National Hospital Overhaul, Cancer Centre
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved major projects in the health sector valued at about N558 billion, including the comprehensive upgrade of the National Hospital, Abuja, and the establishment of a flagship National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment Centre.
The approvals, according to the Minister of Health, Professor Ali Pate, are aimed at strengthening specialised healthcare infrastructure, improving access to advanced medical services and expanding Nigeria’s capacity for medical research and treatment.
At the National Hospital, the approved projects include the construction of a new administrative and management block at an estimated cost of N18.74 billion.
The Federal Government also approved about N64.92 billion for the construction of modular clinics and theatres for different medical specialities at the hospital.
Another major component is the construction of a high-end wing at the National Hospital at a cost of N103 billion, with a completion period of 24 months.
The government further approved N69 billion for the construction of a Neuroscience Institute at the hospital.
Pate said the Neuroscience Institute would provide dedicated infrastructure for neurosurgical, radiological, interventional and rehabilitative services for patients suffering from strokes, brain tumours and other diseases affecting the brain and nervous system.
The Federal Executive Council also approved the development of a flagship National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment Centre at a total cost of N302.3 billion.
According to Pate, the project is part of the administration’s efforts to expand cancer research, treatment, innovation and capacity building across the country.
He explained that the latest approval would establish a major national institution dedicated to cancer research and treatment under the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT).
The minister said the approval covers the design, construction, furnishing, equipping, supervision and commissioning of the cancer centre, with a projected completion period of 36 months.
The projects represent a major investment by the Tinubu administration in specialised healthcare infrastructure and are expected to enhance Nigeria’s capacity to provide advanced treatment for complex medical conditions while reducing the need for patients to seek specialised care abroad.
