President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a series of major projects in Nigeria’s health sector, including the overhaul of the National Hospital, Abuja, and the establishment of a flagship National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment Centre valued at ₦302.3 billion.

The approvals, announced after a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, represent one of the most ambitious investments in healthcare infrastructure in Nigeria’s history.

Among the projects approved are the construction of a new administrative and management block at the National Hospital, Abuja, at a cost of ₦18.74 billion; the construction of modular clinics and theatres for different medical specialities at ₦64.92 billion; the construction of a high-end wing at ₦103 billion, with a completion period of 24 months; and the construction of a Neuroscience Institute at ₦69 billion.

Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, explained that the Neuroscience Institute would provide dedicated infrastructure for neurosurgical, radiological, interventional and rehabilitative services required by patients suffering from strokes, brain tumours and other conditions affecting the brain and nervous system.

The centrepiece of the approvals is the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), which will serve as a flagship institution for cancer research, treatment, innovation and capacity building.

“FEC approved the design, construction, furnishing, equipping, supervision and commissioning of the centre at a cost of about ₦302.3 billion, with a completion period of 36 months,” Pate said.

He stressed that the cancer centre would be a major step towards expanding Nigeria’s capacity to tackle one of the country’s most pressing health challenges.

“This latest approval will establish a major national institution dedicated to cancer research and treatment,” he added.

The projects are expected to significantly strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, reduce medical tourism and provide world-class facilities for patients requiring advanced treatment.