The Federal Government has officially taken over the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare in Borno State, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Borno State Government.
The agreement was signed at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare headquarters in Abuja and marks a major step in expanding access to tertiary healthcare in Nigeria’s insurgency-affected North East region.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for facilitating the transfer.
“I want to most sincerely convey my deep appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria under the distinguished leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating an enabling environment that has ensured the take-up of the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Borno State,” Governor Zulum said.
He also praised the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, for what he described as dynamic leadership in transforming the health sector.
“This kind of phenomenal growth has not been witnessed in recent times,” he noted. “Nigerians must commend you so that you do more. As Governor of Borno State, I will continue to provide the political will to ensure the sustainability of not just the National Orthopaedic Hospital, but all tertiary health institutions in the state.”
Governor Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the hospital’s operations and pledged full adherence to the terms of the MoU.
“We shall have faith in what has been endorsed today. All other necessary documents will be provided. Borno State will continue to support the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare,” he assured.
The governor also revealed that the state is planning to construct a new general hospital, which could eventually be upgraded to a federal medical centre. He noted that Borno remains the only state in Nigeria without one.
In his remarks, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, who signed the MoU on behalf of the Federal Government, commended Zulum for his proactive role in advancing healthcare services in the state.
“Governor Zulum’s commitment to healthcare development in Borno is exemplary and deeply appreciated,” Dr. Salako said.
The signing of the MoU is expected to strengthen healthcare delivery in the region and support the Federal Government’s broader agenda of improving access to specialized medical services across the country.