In a landmark move aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery and expanding access to specialist medical services, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Imo State Government for the takeover and upgrade of the General Hospital, Okigwe, to a Federal Medical Centre (FMC).
Speaking at the ceremony held on 3 June, 2026 in Owerri, the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako commended the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for prioritising healthcare development and positioning the state as one of the leading performers in Nigeria’s health sector.
The Minister noted that barely four weeks after the Federal Government’s visit to Imo State for the flag-off of a major healthcare initiative, the state was once again hosting a transformative health sector event that would directly impact the lives of ordinary citizens.
According to him, Imo State has become one of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s flagship states in healthcare performance, owing to the remarkable investments and reforms undertaken by the current administration.
He cited some of the strides to include: the rehabilitation of healthcare facilities across the state, the transformation 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 among others.
“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,” the Minister noted.
Salako explained that the upgrade of General Hospital Okigwe to a Federal Medical Centre aligns with President Tinubu’s vision of bringing specialist healthcare services closer to Nigerians and reducing the burden of medical tourism.
“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 said.
The Minister assured the people of Imo State that the Federal Government would provide the necessary support to ensure the successful take-off and operation of the new Federal Medical Centre through adequate funding, infrastructure development, equipment provision and manpower recruitment.
He disclosed that following the signing of the MoU, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare would immediately commence a comprehensive audit of the facility’s workforce.
“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 reassured.
The Minister further reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to sustaining collaboration with the Imo State Government to improve health outcomes and deliver quality healthcare services to Nigerians.
In his remarks, the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre in Okigwe and for his continued support for healthcare development in the state, describing him as a visionary and compassionate leader who listens to the aspirations and concerns of Nigerians.
“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,” the Governor stated.
While welcoming the Honourable Minister and members of his delegation to Imo State, recalled that the recent upgrade of Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education to a Federal University of Education resulted in the conversion of the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, into a University Teaching Hospital, leaving Imo State without a Federal Medical Centre.
He noted that the approval of a new Federal Medical Centre for Imo State demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to fairness, inclusiveness and equitable development.
To facilitate the speedy establishment of the institution, Governor Uzodimma disclosed that the Imo State Government voluntarily handed over the General Hospital, Okigwe, to the Federal Government in overriding public interest to serve as the take-off site for the new Federal Medical Centre, expressing that Government and people of Imo State are delighted for this historic development as it will directly benefit them.
“We are pleased that all the processes leading to this partnership have been concluded and that today we are executing the agreement” he said
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The Governor commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for accepting the transfer of the facility, including its assets, liabilities and workforce, noting that the move would significantly enhance healthcare access and service delivery in the state, revealing members of staff of the hospital showed overwhelming support for their migration into Federal Government service.
Uzodimma reaffirmed the readiness of the Imo State Government to continue supporting the Federal Government in ensuring the success of the new institution, in providing quality and accessable healthcare services.
The Governor acknowledged the numerous interventions recorded in the health sector by Federal Government through the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, particularly in the area of health insurance expansion, healthcare infrastructure development and other strategic health programmes.
It could be recalled that the Medical Director of the Federal Medical Center, Okigwe, Dr. Emily Akuabia Nzeribe was on 17 April, 2026 presented with her letter of appointment by the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako.
Ado Bako
Assistant Director,Information & Public Relations.
4th June, 2026
