The Federal Executive Council has approved infrastructure projects worth roughly N540 billion to transform the National Hospital, Abuja into a quaternary healthcare institution and to build a new national cancer treatment centre.
Health Minister Ali Pate announced the breakdown, which includes N18.74 million to refit the hospital’s administrative block, N64.92 billion for modular clinics and a theatre complex, and N103 billion for a new hospital wing expected to be completed within 24 months. A further N69 billion has been earmarked for a Neuroscience Institute covering neurosurgery, radiology and rehabilitation, while the largest chunk, N302.3 billion, will fund a new National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment facility over 36 months.
Pate said the National Hospital, established about 25 years ago, had fallen short of its original vision due to years of underinvestment, and framed the new projects as part of President Tinubu’s directive to strengthen healthcare infrastructure nationwide.
He clarified that funding for the projects comes through National Assembly appropriations already reflected in the 2025 and 2026 budgets rather than direct allocation from the ministry.
Pate described quality healthcare as requiring sustained investment, saying the administration’s goal is visible transformation at both the National Hospital and the new cancer centre.
The approval marks one of the biggest single healthcare infrastructure commitments announced by the Federal Government this year.
By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed
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