The Nigerian government has intensified efforts to expand the country’s healthcare infrastructure, reiterating that the establishment of additional federal tertiary hospitals is central to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Ovie of Udu Kingdom, Michael Ogheneove Orugbo, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said the administration is making unprecedented progress in expanding access to quality healthcare nationwide.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Assistant Director of Press in Nigeria’s health ministry, Bako Ado, the Minister stressed that no previous administration has established as many federal tertiary health institutions within such a short timeframe, stressing that the government is determined to bridge gaps in healthcare delivery across underserved communities.
Highlighting recent developments, the Minister pointed to the approval of the Oviam Federal Medical Center, describing it as a product of presidential commitment and intergovernmental collaboration, particularly with the Delta State Government.
To ensure sustainability, Dr. Salako disclosed that the hospital’s leadership has been tasked with producing a comprehensive five-year development framework to guide funding and operations. He added that groundwork for the facility’s permanent site will commence before the end of the current presidential term.
The Minister also commended the Udu community for its active involvement, including land provision, donation of medical supplies, and support from private partners such as the Oyeye Foundation, which contributed digital equipment to the hospital.
He emphasized that community ownership would be critical to the long-term success of the project, urging stakeholders to safeguard the facility and maintain strong collaboration with government authorities.
The Ovie of Udu Kingdom expressed deep appreciation for the Federal Government’s intervention, noting that the establishment of the medical center represents a major milestone for the area.
While acknowledging the kingdom’s industrial significance, including its association with the former Delta Steel Company and major gas infrastructure, the monarch stressed that access to healthcare remains a top priority for his people.
He reaffirmed the kingdom’s readiness to support the hospital’s take-off from its temporary site and appealed for the timely commencement of construction at the permanent location. The visit underscored growing collaboration between government and host communities in advancing healthcare delivery across Nigeria.