President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned a series of critical health infrastructure projects across Nigeria and launched 145 tricycle ambulances to strengthen emergency medical response services as part of activities marking the third anniversary of his administration.
The projects, executed across the six geopolitical zones, span primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare institutions and are aimed at improving healthcare delivery and health outcomes for Nigerians.
Speaking virtually during the nationwide commissioning on Friday, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing affordable and quality healthcare for all Nigerians, describing the projects as a significant milestone in the country’s healthcare renewal agenda.
“We are determined to give Nigerians the kind of care that, for too long, only those who could travel abroad enjoyed,” the President said. “From rural Sokoto to the Delta creeks and the streets of Lagos, our emergency response system must work as one national structure.”
The President commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, development partners, state governments and federal teaching hospitals for their roles in implementing the projects.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, described the commissioned projects as tangible progress towards achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2030 under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative. He noted that the administration’s efforts extend beyond infrastructure development to strengthening preventive healthcare, immunisation, maternal care and primary healthcare systems nationwide.
According to him, the facilities reflect a deliberate strategy to reposition Nigeria’s healthcare sector for sustainable and effective service delivery.
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said the projects demonstrate President Tinubu’s commitment to making healthcare accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of location.
He disclosed that the event also featured the launch of NEMSAS assets, including 145 tricycle ambulances, six boat ambulances, emergency communication systems and dispatch equipment designed to enhance pre-hospital emergency care across the country.
“The investments reflect a bold national vision where no Nigerian should lose their life because structured medical help could not reach them in time,” Salako stated.
Among the projects commissioned were Emergency Operations Centres in Kano, Sokoto and Katsina states; the Lagos Vaccine Hub; primary healthcare infrastructure in Delta State; a Trauma Centre at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria; a Mental Health Complex at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital; an Infertility and Assisted Reproductive Technology Centre in Bauchi; a Laboratory Complex at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital; and the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Complex at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja.
Salako further revealed that more than 100 health projects have been completed under the administration, with selected projects across the six geopolitical zones chosen for presidential commissioning. He added that over 4,000 primary healthcare centres have been revitalised, health insurance coverage expanded by more than 33 per cent, and 15 new federal tertiary health institutions established.
The minister also highlighted the establishment of over 500 specialised healthcare facilities, including cancer centres of excellence and diagnostic centres, aimed at reducing medical tourism and improving access to advanced healthcare services within the country.
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, announced that the newly launched ambulances would be deployed to primary healthcare centres, particularly in rural communities, with trained drivers and nurses attached to ensure prompt emergency response and referrals.
She expressed confidence that the health sector would continue to witness significant improvements under the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that emergency communication systems at primary healthcare facilities would also be strengthened to improve coordination and response times.
The virtual commissioning ceremony was attended physically by top management officials of the ministry, heads of agencies and parastatals, development partners and other stakeholders in the health sector.
