FEC approves N540bn to transform National Hospital, build cancer centre

THE Federal Executive Council (FEC) has cleared a package of healthcare projects estimated at N540 billion to modernise the National Hospital, Abuja, and develop a new national cancer research and treatment facility.

The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, announced the approvals on Wednesday after the council’s weekly meeting, saying the investments would help reposition the National Hospital as a quaternary healthcare centre.

Pate said the hospital, which has operated for about 25 years, had not received adequate infrastructure and equipment investment to meet the expectations of its founding mandate.

According to him, the projects were approved following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for improved healthcare infrastructure and equipment nationwide.

One of the approved contracts is valued at N18.74 million and covers the rehabilitation of the hospital’s administrative and management block. Visible Construction Limited will undertake the work.

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FEC also approved N64.92 billion for modular clinics and a theatre complex. Strabbing Construction Limited was awarded the contract to deliver the facilities, which will cater to multiple medical specialties.

A further N103 billion was approved for the construction of another wing of the hospital. CBC Global Civil Construction Limited secured the contract, with the project expected to be completed within 24 months.

The council also approved N69 billion for a Neuroscience Institute at the National Hospital, with CBC Global Civil and Building Construction Limited appointed as contractor.

Pate said the institute would provide specialised services covering neurosurgery, radiology, interventional medicine and rehabilitation. It will also support the treatment of stroke, brain tumours and other neurological disorders.

“Quality healthcare is not cheap. To have the healthcare system we need, Nigeria has to invest in it,” Pate said.

N302.3bn cancer facility

In a separate approval, FEC awarded a N302.3 billion contract for a new National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) centre.

The contract, awarded to CBC Global Civil and Building Construction Nigeria Limited, includes the design, construction, furnishing, equipping, supervision and inauguration of the facility.

Pate said the centre is expected to be completed within 36 months and will expand Nigeria’s capacity for cancer research, treatment, innovation and specialist training.

He described the planned facility as a flagship national institution for cancer research and treatment, noting that budgetary provisions for the project were included in the 2025 and 2026 appropriations.

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The minister clarified that the funding for the National Hospital and NICRAT projects would come through appropriations made by the National Assembly to the relevant agencies and institutions, rather than directly from the Federal Ministry of Health.

Pate said the government’s focus was to ensure the projects were delivered and provide Nigerians with a transformed National Hospital and a modern cancer research and treatment centre.