Tinubu launches NSIA healthcare expansion program
…Plans to retrain 120,000 healthcare workers
By Kunle Sanni
President Bola Tinubu has officially launched the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) Healthcare Expansion Program, alongside an initiative to retrain 120,000 frontline healthcare professionals. This dual effort marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
The Healthcare Expansion Program aims to establish 10 world-class healthcare facilities focused on oncology and diagnostics across the country’s six geopolitical zones. This initiative builds on the success of earlier NSIA projects, including the NSIA-Kano Diagnostic Centre, NSIA-Umuahia Diagnostic Centre, and the NSIA-Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Cancer Centre.
In a statement released by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, President Tinubu emphasized that these new facilities would not only provide essential healthcare services to Nigerians but also help curb the rising trend of outbound medical tourism.
Upon the completion of the first phase, the NSIA, through its subsidiary Medserve, will operate the largest network of oncology and diagnostic centers in West Africa. This initiative includes the training of up to 500 clinicians over three years, alongside enhancements in clinical trial and research capabilities.
“I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and the NSIA for their vision, innovation, and dedication to making this program a reality,” President Tinubu said. “Through inter-sectoral partnerships like these, we can achieve significant healthcare and economic outcomes. This program will serve as a blueprint for future healthcare infrastructure projects, propelling us toward our national healthcare goals: saving lives, reducing suffering, and ensuring health for all Nigerians.”
The President also highlighted the importance of the second initiative—the retraining of 120,000 frontline healthcare workers—which he described as a key performance indicator in his role as the African Union (AU) Champion for Human Resources for Health and Community Health Delivery Partnership.
“Health workers and other professionals are the backbone of our healthcare system. By equipping them with the latest skills and knowledge, we ensure they are well-prepared to meet the evolving healthcare needs of our population,” Tinubu stated.
Underscoring the importance of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), the President affirmed that the nation’s productivity and prosperity are directly linked to the health of its people. He emphasized that basic healthcare is a fundamental human right and a matter of long-term national security.
“The NHSRII has provided strategic direction for our health investments, focusing on critical areas such as maternal and child health, disease prevention, and health system strengthening. The Compact with State Governors and Development Partners, deployed as the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), has been crucial in advancing our health sector. These frameworks have fostered collaboration, alignment, and accountability, ensuring our collective efforts are harmonized towards achieving our health goals,” Tinubu noted.
The President also expressed pride in the progress made in unlocking healthcare value chains, restructuring the Basic Health Care Provision Fund to expand access to primary healthcare, broadening health insurance coverage, and enhancing health human resources. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing healthcare, enhancing preventive measures, investing in health education, and promoting health equity and justice.
During the ceremony, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare was honored with the title ‘Mainasara of Bauchi Emirate.’ The Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for his transformative investments in the health sector.
“We thank President Bola Tinubu for the significant strides he is making in the health sector. Even those of us in the opposition party appreciate the work and collaboration with the President’s team, including the Ministers of Finance and Health, to kick off this impactful project for all Nigerians,” Governor Mohammed said.
