In a major boost to tertiary healthcare delivery in Nigeria’s North Central region, the Federal Government has commissioned a state-of-the-art Multi-Specialty Complex and other critical infrastructure at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Keffi.
The commissioning ceremony, which took place on Thursday, was led by the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, alongside the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, who represented the Executive Governor of the state.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Salako reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to strengthening specialist healthcare services and improving population health outcomes. He described the newly commissioned Multi-Specialty Clinic Complex which houses Ophthalmology, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), Dental, and Physiotherapy units as a strategic response to the rising demand for specialist care in the region.
“This facility, along with the solar-powered borehole and the high-tech atmospheric distilled water generator donated by the Government of Japan, underscores our administration’s commitment to modernizing health infrastructure and promoting environmental sustainability,” Dr. Salako stated.
He also lauded the hospital’s efforts toward energy transition, disclosed that a National Stakeholders Dialogue on Power in the Health Sector will be convened later this month to address energy poverty in healthcare delivery nationwide.
In his remarks, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe appreciated the Federal Government’s continued support, noted the strategic importance of FMC Keffi as a referral center for over 13 states. He also confirmed federal approval for the takeover of the Specialist Hospital in Lafia, now designated as a federal teaching hospital, and called for the urgent federal assumption of its staff salary obligations.
“The interventions at FMC Keffi are timely and commendable. The facility plays a crucial role beyond Nasarawa State, and the pressure on its resources is enormous,” Dr. Akabe said.
Earlier, the Chief Medical Director of FMC Keffi, Dr. Yahaya Baba Adamu, expressed appreciation to both federal and state governments for their support. He highlighted ongoing projects at the center, including a 116-bed lying-in ward, a neuropsychiatric complex, a trauma center, a public health complex, and the hospital’s first-ever staff quarters. He also announced the development of a state-of-the-art radiodiagnostic center, aimed at reducing external referrals for MRI and advanced imaging.
Dr. Adamu appealed for improved staff welfare, payment of promotion arrears, and expanded training opportunities to boost morale and retain skilled professionals.
The event was witnessed by senior government officials, traditional leaders including representatives of the Emir of Keffi, members of the hospital’s management board, and representatives from the Japanese Embassy.
With the continuous influx of patients and growing demand for quality healthcare, stakeholders unanimously agreed that these new interventions mark a significant step in transforming FMC Keffi into a top-tier tertiary referral center, in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the health sector.
