By Fatima Saka
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has officially taken over the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare, from the Borno State Government following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja.
L-R: Prof. Umar Zulum, Executive Governor Borno State; Honourable Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako and, Daju Kachollom mni, Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare, held inside the Conference Room of the Ministry.
The handover, which took place at the Ministry’s headquarters, marks a major milestone in the federal government’s efforts to expand access to quality tertiary healthcare—particularly in the insurgency-affected North East region.
A press statement signed on Saturday by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, confirmed the development.
Speaking at the ceremony, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for enabling the federal takeover of the hospital.
“I want to sincerely thank the Federal Government under the distinguished leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the enabling environment that ensured the federal acquisition of the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Borno State,” said Governor Zulum.
He commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, for their leadership in revitalizing the health sector.
“This kind of phenomenal growth has not been witnessed in recent times. Nigerians must acknowledge your efforts to encourage even greater strides. As Governor, I will provide the political will to sustain not just the National Orthopaedic Hospital but all tertiary health institutions in Borno State,” he added.
Zulum also announced plans to construct a new general hospital with the potential to be upgraded to a federal medical centre, noting that Borno is currently the only state in Nigeria without one.
In his remarks, Dr. Iziaq Salako, who signed the MoU on behalf of the Federal Government, praised Governor Zulum’s dedication to healthcare development.
“The people of Borno have long awaited this moment. This hospital will serve not only the state but the entire North East region,” Dr. Salako said.
He also commended Zulum’s swift disaster response and investment in healthcare infrastructure, including the harmonization of doctors’ salaries and strategic reforms in the health sector.
According to Dr. Salako, the takeover of the hospital is part of the Tinubu administration’s broader strategy to decentralize specialized medical care, reduce medical tourism, and boost the country’s tertiary health system. He noted that 12 new tertiary health institutions have been established nationwide under the current administration.
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Other dignitaries at the event included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom mni; Dr. Okpikpo Okpako, representing Dr. Salaudeen Jimoh mni, Director of the Hospital Services Department; the Borno State Commissioner for Health; and Dr. Ramat Mohammed, Chief Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare.
The MoU is expected to enhance orthopaedic and trauma care in Borno State, significantly improving access to specialized services for residents of the North East.
