Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has reiterated his administration’s resolve to curb medical tourism by developing world-class healthcare infrastructure within the state.
The governor made this known during an inspection tour of the ongoing construction of the Borno State Teaching Hospital, a multi-billion naira project located along the Maiduguri-Damaturu Road.
Zulum stated that once completed, the 400-bed facility featuring 15 specialised departments will not only enhance healthcare delivery but also serve as a training centre for medical students from Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri.
Speaking to journalists after the inspection, Governor Zulum said the project was conceived to provide affordable and high-quality medical services to residents and drastically reduce the number of people seeking treatment abroad.
“The reason we established this teaching hospital is to ensure quality and affordable healthcare for our people. It will significantly reduce medical tourism, as many of our indigenes currently seek treatment in Cairo and other countries,” he said.
He added that the hospital will be equipped with modern medical technology, manned by qualified professionals, and supported by a 5-megawatt solar power facility to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply.
“I believe that if we can have a befitting hospital with state-of-the-art equipment, people will prefer to seek care here rather than travel overseas. I am ready to provide all that is needed to make this hospital world-class,” Zulum added.
The governor also pointed out the economic impact of the project, disclosing that it will create over 1,000 skilled jobs upon completion. He noted that between 2,000 and 3,000 workers are currently engaged in the construction phase.
During the visit, Zulum was briefed by the Chief Medical Director, Professor Ibrahim Kida, and the site engineer, Engr. Usman Tijjani. He inspected various sections of the facility, including medical and surgical wards, the General Outpatient Department (GOPD), accident and emergency unit, physiotherapy and radiology departments, operating theatres, and the conference hall.
He assured that the hospital will be fully operational by the end of September 2025.
In addition to the teaching hospital, Governor Zulum also inspected other key infrastructure projects, including the 4,000-capacity International Conference Centre. He commended the contractor for the quality of work and directed that the project be completed by the first quarter of 2026.
“A state like Borno deserves a world-class conference centre to host international events. I urge you to expedite construction to meet the deadline,” he said.
The governor also visited the Post Office Flyover the fourth overhead bridge constructed under his administration as well as the 2.8-kilometre Kogin Tifa drainage project, aimed at tackling flood-related challenges in Maiduguri.