Tinubu Approves New Federal Medical Centre in Imo as FG Takes Over Okigwe General Hospital
By Pan Afric Reporters
In a major boost to healthcare delivery in the South-East, the Federal Government and the Imo State Government have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the takeover and upgrade of General Hospital, Okigwe, into a full-fledged Federal Medical Centre (FMC), a move expected to expand access to specialist healthcare services and strengthen the nation’s health system.
The agreement was formalised during a ceremony in Owerri on June 3, where the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, described the development as a significant milestone in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to bring quality healthcare closer to Nigerians and advance the goal of Universal Health Coverage.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and signed by Ado Bako, Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, on June 4, 2026.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Salako commended Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for what he described as visionary leadership and sustained investments in healthcare infrastructure and service delivery.
According to the Minister, Imo State has emerged as one of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s leading partners in healthcare transformation due to the reforms and investments implemented by the current administration.
“At the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, we consider Imo State one of our most cherished partners in advancing healthcare delivery. We have seen the remarkable commitment of Governor Hope Uzodimma to improving healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to quality services for the people,” Salako said.
He highlighted several achievements recorded by the state government, including the rehabilitation of healthcare facilities, the revitalisation of the Imo State University Teaching Hospital, the ongoing development of the Specialist Hospital, Owerri, into a centre of excellence for spinal and breast surgery, as well as the expansion of health insurance coverage and free healthcare services for civil servants.
The Minister noted that the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre, Okigwe, aligns with the Tinubu administration’s commitment to decentralising specialist healthcare services and reducing the need for Nigerians to travel long distances in search of advanced medical treatment.
“The establishment of this Federal Medical Centre is a reflection of our commitment to ensuring that Imo people and Nigerians generally can access specialist healthcare services close to where they live. This is in line with the President’s vision of achieving Universal Health Coverage and ensuring that no Nigerian is denied healthcare because of distance or financial hardship,” he stated.
Salako assured residents that the Federal Government would provide adequate funding, infrastructure, equipment, and manpower to ensure the smooth take-off and effective operation of the new institution.
He further disclosed that the Ministry would immediately commence a comprehensive workforce audit following the signing of the MoU.
“All staff members who are willing to transition into Federal Government service will be retained. Thereafter, we will identify existing gaps and move swiftly to recruit additional personnel to strengthen service delivery at the new Federal Medical Centre,” he assured.
In his remarks, Governor Hope Uzodimma expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for approving the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre, describing the decision as a demonstration of fairness, inclusiveness, and commitment to equitable development.
“We are grateful to Mr. President for listening to our concerns and responding promptly. This approval demonstrates his commitment to improving healthcare delivery and ensuring that every part of the country receives the attention it deserves,” Uzodimma said.
The governor recalled that Imo State was left without a Federal Medical Centre following the upgrade of Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education to a Federal University of Education, which resulted in the conversion of the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, into a University Teaching Hospital.
He explained that the state government voluntarily handed over the General Hospital, Okigwe, to the Federal Government in the overriding public interest to facilitate the speedy establishment of the new Federal Medical Centre.
“We are pleased that all the processes leading to this partnership have been concluded and that today we are executing the agreement,” the governor said.
Uzodimma added that the transfer includes the hospital’s assets, liabilities, and workforce, noting that staff members overwhelmingly supported their migration into Federal Government service.
The governor also reaffirmed the readiness of the Imo State Government to continue collaborating with the Federal Government to ensure the success of the institution and improve healthcare outcomes for residents.
Observers say the new Federal Medical Centre is expected to significantly improve access to specialist medical care in Imo State and neighbouring communities while creating employment opportunities and strengthening healthcare infrastructure in the region.
The development comes barely two months after Dr. Emily Akuabia Nzeribe was appointed as the pioneer Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Okigwe, a move widely seen as laying the foundation for the institution’s commencement of operations.
