In a significant step toward providing citizens with access to world-class healthcare, the NSIA Healthcare Development and Investment Company (NHDIC), an  NSIA  Company,  in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of  Health  (FMOH) announced the execution of a joint venture and other project agreements for investments in 3 federal healthcare institutions in Nigeria, namely, the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH, Lagos), the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH, Kano) and the Federal Medical Centre Umuahia (FMCU, Abia). Pursuant to these agreements, funds will be deployed to:

Build, equip, maintain and operate a private centre for advanced radiotherapy treatment at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH); and

Build, equip, maintain and operate private modern medical diagnostic centres at:

The Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), and

The Federal Medical Centre Umuahia (FMCU).

Under the agreements, the Cancer Centre at LUTH will be upgraded to provide specialist care for cancer treatment, while AKTH and FMCU will focus on diagnostics, providing medical microbiology services, routine chemical pathology, haematology tests and advanced radiography, including MRI and CT services. The investment is expected to upgrade these institutions to modern medical centres and significantly enhance Nigeria’s ability to treat Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

Expectedly, the investments will assist in bridging the infrastructure gap in the healthcare sector and help reduce the burden of medical tourism, which is estimated to drain over $1 billion in foreign exchange annually. Similarly, the investment is intended to provide access to advanced healthcare services for the benefit of lower-income families, many of whom have limited access to care.

As part of the programme, NHDIC has procured the services of internationally renowned equipment vendors, including  Varian  (Switzerland), Siemens  (Germany), JNC  International (Nigeria) and Fuji Films (Japan) to provide turnkey services, including civil works, design, equipment installation and maintenance services for the centres. Each centre will run as a joint venture between NSIA and the respective tertiary hospital to ensure the timely and efficient delivery of services. An aggregate investment of up to $20 million is expected to be injected into the project.

Speaking at the signing, Uche Orji, MD/CEO NSIA, stated that “Investing in healthcare remains a vital component of the Nigerian Infrastructure Fund strategy. The enhancement of healthcare infrastructure in these institutions will contribute to raising the quality and standard of care in Nigeria, with outcomes which are consistent with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In addition, it will demonstrate the economic potential of healthcare investments in Nigeria and catalyse private sector participation”

Commenting on the development, the Honourable Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole said “One of the most important aspects of healthcare is an investment in infrastructure. While the Ministry maintains the position that individuals must be empowered to track their health and encouraged to maintain positive and healthy lifestyles, it is incumbent on the government to create an enabling environment for accessible, affordable and effective healthcare services locally. This investment, though focused on Non- Non-Communicable Diseases, is the first of many which we believe will shape the future of healthcare in Nigeria and bring quality healthcare to many”.