Keffi, Nasarawa State – In a significant stride toward revitalizing Nigeria’s tertiary healthcare system, the Federal Government on Thursday commissioned a cutting-edge Multi-Specialty Complex and other vital health infrastructure at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Keffi.
The commissioning ceremony was led by the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, alongside the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, who represented the state’s Executive Governor. The event marks a key milestone in the implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the health sector.
Dr. Salako reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving health outcomes and expanding access to specialized services.
He described the newly commissioned Multi-Specialty Clinic Complex—which houses Ophthalmology, ENT, Dental, and Physiotherapy services—as a strategic response to the growing demand for specialist care in Keffi and surrounding states.
“This facility, along with the solar-powered borehole and atmospheric distilled water generator donated by the Government of Japan, reflects our administration’s focus on modernizing healthcare infrastructure while integrating sustainability,” Salako stated.
He also praised FMC Keffi’s energy transition efforts and announced an upcoming National Stakeholders Dialogue on Power in the Health Sector, set to address the persistent energy challenges confronting healthcare institutions.
In his remarks, Deputy Governor Akabe expressed the state’s gratitude for the federal interventions and lauded the Minister’s hands-on leadership. He revealed that the Federal Government had approved the takeover of the Specialist Hospital in Lafia, which is now designated a Federal Teaching Hospital. He urged the Federal Government to expedite assumption of staff salary obligations.
“FMC Keffi serves not just Nasarawa State but over 13 other states due to its strategic location. The pressure on its facilities is immense, and these new interventions are both timely and highly commendable,” Akabe noted.
Chief Medical Director of FMC Keffi, Dr. Yahaya Baba Adamu, acknowledged the support of both federal and state governments. He detailed ongoing projects at the center, including a 116-bed lying-in ward, a neuropsychiatric complex, a public health complex, a trauma center, and the facility’s first-ever staff quarters.
He also disclosed plans for a modern radio diagnostic center aimed at minimizing external referrals for MRI and advanced imaging.
Dr. Adamu further appealed for support in enhancing staff welfare, clearing promotion arrears, and increasing training sponsorships to boost morale and retain skilled personnel.
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The event was graced by senior government officials, members of the FMC Keffi management board, traditional rulers including representatives of the Emir of Keffi, and delegates from the Japanese Embassy.
With rising patient inflow and increasing demand for quality care, stakeholders say the new infrastructure upgrades will transform FMC Keffi into a premier referral hub in North Central Nigeria, and strengthen efforts toward achieving Universal Health Coverage.
