The federal government on Thursday inaugurated the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) in Abuja, a landmark healthcare project envisioned to position Nigeria as a destination for advanced medical services on the continent.
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, made the disclosure via his official Facebook page, where he shared highlights of the commissioning ceremony, which he performed on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In his remarks, the Vice President described the AMCE as a testament to Africa’s determination to chart a new course in healthcare delivery. Speaking on behalf of the President, he revealed that Nigeria has attracted health sector pledges exceeding $2.2 billion under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, which was launched in December 2023.
The initiative aims to overhaul more than 17,000 primary healthcare centres nationwide, equip and train 120,000 frontline health personnel, and expand the reach of the national health insurance scheme over the next three years.
Shettima emphasized that the AMCE represents far more than physical infrastructure, describing it as a national declaration that Nigeria will not accept poor health outcomes as a permanent condition. The project, he said, symbolizes a growing commitment to access, quality, and equity in healthcare.
The Vice President commended the collaborative efforts behind the centre and expressed optimism that it will reverse the outflow of patients seeking medical care abroad, while also serving as a beacon of hope for millions across the region.