Nigeria Commissions West Africa’s Largest Specialized Private Hospital: A New Era in Healthcare Begins

A major milestone in the advancement of healthcare in Nigeria and West Africa was achieved today as the largest specialized private hospital in the region, the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE), was officially commissioned in Abuja. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, presided over the commissioning of the world-class medical facility.

The 500-bed tertiary hospital is a product of a strategic collaboration between NNPC Limited and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), developed to address the growing demand for advanced medical services in Nigeria and the subregion. In a significant move toward international best practices, the facility will operate in partnership with King’s College Hospital, London—bringing global medical standards to the doorstep of West Africans.

The AMCE is positioned not only as a hospital but as a game-changer in the regional healthcare ecosystem. Located in Nigeria’s capital, the facility is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and cutting-edge medical technology to deliver specialized care in oncology, haematology, cardiology, and a broad range of general medical services.

Speaking during the commissioning, Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasized the Federal Government’s recognition of healthcare as a pivotal sector for national development. He noted that the AMCE represents a bold step toward reducing medical tourism, which drains billions of naira annually as Nigerians seek treatment abroad.

“This centre is more than a hospital—it is a testament to Nigeria’s potential for excellence when the public and private sectors come together. It will ensure access to high-quality healthcare, boost medical research, and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs,” the Vice President remarked.

NNPC Limited’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, represented by the company’s Executive Vice President for Business Services, Sophia Mbakwe, highlighted the significance of the investment. He described the AMCE as a reflection of NNPC Limited’s new strategic orientation toward non-oil investments that directly benefit Nigerian citizens.

“This project is aligned with our vision to create long-term value for all stakeholders and contribute meaningfully to national development beyond the petroleum sector. We are proud to play a role in shaping the future of healthcare in Nigeria,” said Mbakwe.

Ojulari reiterated NNPC Limited’s commitment to improving quality of life through sustainable ventures, underscoring the importance of public-private partnerships in accelerating economic diversification.

Afreximbank, the financial partner on the project, provided critical funding and institutional support to bring the AMCE vision to life. The bank’s President, Professor Benedict Oramah, previously stated that the bank views healthcare as an economic and humanitarian priority.

In past addresses, Oramah emphasized that the AMCE initiative would serve as a template for similar projects across Africa, noting that robust health infrastructure is essential for economic resilience and human capital development.

A key pillar of the AMCE’s operational model is its affiliation with King’s College Hospital in London. This partnership brings top-tier medical expertise, training, and management protocols to the Nigerian facility, ensuring that patients receive care comparable to international standards.

According to hospital officials, the partnership includes knowledge transfer, research collaboration, and capacity building for local medical personnel. This approach is expected to help stem the brain drain in the health sector and build a new generation of homegrown specialists.

The AMCE is poised to become a regional hub for specialized treatment, attracting patients from across West and Central Africa. In addition to patient care, the facility will host a medical research center, training programs for healthcare professionals, and outreach initiatives focused on preventive care and community health.

Healthcare analysts have hailed the commissioning of the AMCE as a landmark achievement that could help reposition Nigeria as a healthcare destination and reduce dependency on foreign hospitals for advanced medical procedures.

As the doors of the AMCE open to the public, it stands as a powerful symbol of what can be achieved through visionary leadership, strategic partnerships, and a shared commitment to the well-being of Africa’s people.