African Medical Centre of Excellence opens in Abuja

The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) has opened in Abuja, marking a significant step in Nigeria’s $2.2 billion health sector reform programme. Developed by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in partnership with King’s College Hospital, London, the specialist facility focuses on oncology, cardiovascular care, and haematology. Currently operating with 170 beds and planned to expand to 500, the centre aims to treat 200,000 Nigerian patients and 150,000 West African patients within its first five years.

Afreximbank has also established a $75 million endowment for medical research through the Africa Life Sciences Foundation, targeting diseases such as cancer and sickle cell. The initiative seeks to reduce the outflow of healthcare spending by providing advanced local alternatives to medical tourism.

In related developments regarding institutional welfare, the National Assembly has requested that the Federal Government review its monetisation policy on official accommodation. The Clerk of the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, noted that current policies create accommodation gaps for legislative aides, potentially hindering efficiency. He also noted that improved medical services would soon be available to National Assembly staff through a new facility currently under construction.