The Akwa Ibom State Government has unveiled the Ibom Medical City Project, a major healthcare infrastructure initiative aimed at transforming the state’s healthcare sector and positioning it as a leading medical destination in Nigeria and West Africa.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Governor Umo Eno described the project as one of the most ambitious healthcare investments in the history of Akwa Ibom State. The development will occupy approximately 100 hectares of land and is expected to serve as a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem combining medical services, research, training, and innovation.
At the heart of the project is a 350-bed International Hospital designed to provide advanced healthcare services across 62 medical specialties. The Medical City will also include medical residences, pharmaceutical and life sciences facilities, rehabilitation centres, diagnostic and treatment units, and other critical healthcare support services.
According to the governor, the project is expected to significantly reduce the need for Nigerians to seek medical treatment abroad, while strengthening local healthcare capacity and attracting patients from across the region.
Beyond healthcare delivery, the initiative is projected to generate substantial economic benefits through job creation, skills development, research opportunities, and investments in the health and life sciences sectors.
Governor Eno disclosed that the state government has already employed 2,844 healthcare professionals since March 2025 as part of efforts to strengthen the healthcare workforce and prepare for the operational demands of the Medical City. He further announced plans to sponsor 100 Akwa Ibom indigenes for specialized medical training abroad to ensure the availability of highly skilled personnel when the facility becomes operational.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, healthcare experts, development partners, and other stakeholders in the health sector.
The Ibom Medical City Project forms part of the state’s broader strategy to improve healthcare outcomes, stimulate economic development, and establish Akwa Ibom as a hub for quality medical services, research, and healthcare innovation.
When completed, the facility is expected to rank among the largest integrated medical complexes in Nigeria, providing specialized care, promoting medical excellence, and contributing to the country’s efforts to strengthen its healthcare infrastructure and reduce dependence on foreign medical services.