Tinubu Unveils Key Health Infrastructure Projects, Deploys 145 Tricycle Ambulances for Emergency Response
By Core Reporters
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has launched several transformative health sector projects executed during the first three years of his administration.
The projects, spread across the six geopolitical zones of the country and covering primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare institutions, underscore the Federal Government’s commitment to improving health outcomes for Nigerians.
In addition to the infrastructure projects, President Tinubu also launched 145 tricycle ambulances aimed at strengthening emergency healthcare services and enhancing access to lifesaving medical interventions across the country.
Speaking virtually during the nationwide commissioning ceremony, on Friday, May 29, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing affordable and quality healthcare for all Nigerians, describing the projects as a major milestone in Nigeria’s healthcare renewal agenda.
“We are determined to give Nigerians the kind of care that, for too long, only those who could travel abroad enjoyed,” the President said.
“From rural Sokoto to the Delta creeks and the streets of Lagos, our emergency response system must function as one national structure.”
President Tinubu commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the World Bank, the Gates Foundation, eHealth Africa, state governments, and federal teaching hospitals for their roles in implementing the projects.
In his address, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, stated that the projects represent measurable progress toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030 under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.
According to him, the Tinubu administration has strategically focused not only on infrastructure development but also on strengthening disease prevention, immunisation, maternal healthcare, and quality primary healthcare services nationwide.
“The facilities commissioned today reflect a deliberate effort to reposition Nigeria’s healthcare system for sustainable and efficient service delivery,” Pate said.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said the projects align with President Tinubu’s commitment to treating healthcare as a fundamental right for all Nigerians.
He described the event as another significant milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s health system, expanding access to lifesaving services, and ensuring quality healthcare reaches every Nigerian, regardless of location.
“This landmark occasion features the official launch of NEMSAS assets, including 145 tricycle ambulances, six boat ambulances, and emergency communication and dispatch equipment to strengthen pre-hospital care across the nation,” Salako said.
“These investments reflect a bold national vision where no Nigerian should lose his or her life because structured medical help could not reach them in time.”
Salako further announced that several transformational health infrastructure projects commissioned to mark the administration’s third anniversary include Emergency Operations Centres in Kano, Sokoto, and Katsina States; the Lagos Vaccine Hub; primary healthcare infrastructure in Delta State; and multiple tertiary healthcare projects across federal teaching hospitals and medical centres nationwide.
Among the commissioned projects are the Trauma Centre at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria; the Mental Health Complex at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital; the Infertility and Assisted Reproductive Technology Centre in Bauchi; the Laboratory Complex at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital; and the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Complex at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja.
The Minister disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and its agencies have more than 100 projects lined up to commemorate the administration’s third anniversary, with selected projects from the six geopolitical zones chosen for presidential commissioning.
He noted that the government has continued its drive toward Universal Health Coverage by expanding health insurance coverage by more than 33 percent, revitalising over 4,000 primary healthcare centres, and establishing 15 new federal tertiary health institutions to bring healthcare closer to the people.
Salako also credited President Tinubu’s leadership for facilitating the delivery of more than 500 high-impact specialist health infrastructure projects, including cancer centres of excellence and diagnostic centres aimed at reversing medical tourism.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, announced that the ambulances would be deployed to primary healthcare centres, particularly in rural communities, with trained drivers and healthcare personnel assigned to ensure prompt emergency response.
“These ambulances are going down to the rural areas and will be stationed at primary healthcare centres where trained drivers are available. Nurses will accompany the ambulances whenever they are deployed,” she said.
Kachollom expressed optimism that the health sector would continue to witness significant improvements under the Renewed Hope Agenda. She added that emergency communication systems would be strengthened at primary healthcare facilities to improve referral services and emergency response coordination.
The presidential commissioning was conducted virtually and attended physically by top management staff, stakeholders, and personnel from agencies and parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
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