According to a statement by the President’s media aide, Ajuri Ngelale, the upgrade initiative falls under President Tinubu’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.

“Upgrading health infrastructure and equipment is a top priority of President Tinubu’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.

“To advance this landmark effort, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) will carry out the comprehensive upgradation of cancer-treatment infrastructure and other critical developments in six tertiary hospitals across several geopolitical zones, in addition to the full renovation and expansion of prior investments to improve broad-based access to high-quality healthcare in all six geo-political zones of the federation,” the statement read in part.

Among the six teaching hospitals marked for the establishment of oncology and nuclear medicine centers are the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina, University of Jos Teaching Hospital, and Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

Additionally, ten hospitals across all geopolitical zones will undergo expansion projects covering radiology, clinical pathology, medical and radiation oncology, and cardiac catheterization.

Where these expansions would take place are North-West: Reference Hospital, Kaduna — (Radiology, clinical pathology, medical and radiation oncology); South-East: Medical Diagnostic Centre Complex, Enugu — (Radiology, clinical pathology, medical & radiation oncology); North-West: Usman Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto — (Diagnostic and intervention radiology, clinical pathology, and cardiac catheterization); South-West: University College Hospital, Ibadan — (Diagnostic and intervention radiology, clinical pathology, and cardiac catheterization) and South-South: University of Uyo Teaching Hospital — (Radiology and clinical pathology).

Others are North-East: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi — (Radiology and clinical pathology); South-South: Federal Medical Centre, Asaba — (Radiology and clinical pathology); North-Central: Harmony Advanced Diagnostic Centre Complex, Ilorin — (Radiology and clinical pathology); North-Central: Jos University Teaching Hospital — (Radiology and clinical pathology) and North-East: Federal Medical Centre, Nguru — (Radiology and clinical pathology).

These expansions aim to improve screening and diagnostics, reduce mortality rates, and create employment opportunities while enhancing the capacity of clinical personnel nationwide.

The projects, slated for completion within 12-18 months, underscore President Tinubu’s commitment to advancing healthcare infrastructure and services across Nigeria’s diverse regions.