Borno state governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has directed the completion of the state’s multi-billion naira 400-bed capacity Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital within 60 days, expressing confidence that the facility will soon commence operations.
The governor issued the directive on Friday during an inspection visit to the hospital as part of his ongoing assessment of major infrastructure projects being executed by his administration across the state.
Speaking to journalists after the inspection, Zulum disclosed that more than 90 per cent of the construction work had been completed, while all medical equipment required for the facility had already been procured and delivered.
“The equipment meant for this hospital has all been purchased, procured and delivered. You can see the level of development in the hospital, and the consultant has informed us that over 90 per cent of the work required has been completed,” the governor said.
He expressed optimism that the remaining work would be completed within the next two months, paving the way for the commencement of healthcare services at the facility.
According to him, approval has already been granted for the recruitment of healthcare personnel, with about 350 staff members employed to support the hospital’s operations.
“We believe that within the next 60 days, we will round off all the outstanding works, and the hospital will be ready for utilisation. We are set to go and ensure that this hospital, which has been our dream project, comes to stay,” he said.
Zulum noted that his administration had invested heavily in healthcare infrastructure and was committed to ensuring the effective management and long-term sustainability of the teaching hospital.
He explained that the facility would operate under a structured management framework aimed at balancing affordability for residents with the need to maintain sustainable operations.
“The cardinal objective of any government is to bring succour to the people, particularly the less privileged. However, we must establish certain standards for costing. We cannot charge like a private hospital, but we also cannot make everything completely free. There must be a minimum threshold that will ensure the sustainability of the hospital,” he stated.
The governor also emphasized the need for automation of the hospital’s billing and administrative systems to improve transparency, accountability and operational efficiency.
He added that the facility would serve not only residents of Borno State but also patients from neighbouring countries, positioning it as a regional referral centre for quality healthcare services.
“This hospital has the capacity to provide services not only to our people but also to those from neighboring countries. It will become a referral center for quality healthcare, provided it is managed effectively and sustainably,” he said.
During the inspection tour, Zulum also visited the ongoing 300-bed State Orthopaedic Hospital along Dikwa Road, where he said construction had reached 85 per cent completion. He directed contractors handling the project to ensure its completion within the next four months.
The governor further inspected the ongoing construction of the road network at the Maiduguri Industrial Hub.
The inspection forms part of the administration’s broader review of strategic development projects across the state.
Earlier in the week, Zulum visited the 4,000-capacity International Conference Centre, the Post Office Flyover, and the 2.5-kilometre Tandari–Kasuwan Shani–Neital Shoe and Ternary Road projects.