Vice President Kashim Shettima announced on Saturday that the federal government’s health sector reforms have already attracted over $4.8 billion in potential investments. These investments, he noted, reflect President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Shettima made this statement during the commissioning and grand opening of Sahad Hospitals in Abuja, where he outlined a comprehensive strategy to address longstanding challenges and propel Nigeria’s healthcare system into the future.

“Our health sector calls upon us all to unite. The promise of this day is one we cannot overlook. It is through such collaboration and shared dedication that we can guarantee every Nigerian receives the care and support they deserve,” he stated.

The Vice President emphasized that the health sector reforms under the Tinubu administration are anchored on a robust roadmap designed to tackle persistent issues that have plagued the system for decades.

“This administration’s ambitious health sector reforms, which have already attracted over $4.8 billion in potential investments, signal a strong commitment to revitalizing our healthcare system,” Shettima said. “These reforms are built on four key pillars: transforming healthcare governance, improving population health outcomes, unlocking the healthcare value chain, and strengthening health security.”

Detailing the government’s strategy, Senator Shettima highlighted initiatives launched by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, stating, “We aim to achieve this by boosting domestic production of essential medical supplies and drugs, and by strengthening primary healthcare through doubling the number of fully functional centers across the nation.”

He acknowledged the challenges that remain, noting that “Nigerians continue to grapple with pressing healthcare issues such as surging costs of medicines, long hospital waiting times, and a shortage of health workers.”

Shettima emphasized the crucial role of private sector involvement in the success of these reforms, particularly in addressing the brain drain among medical professionals. “Our private sector is a critical part of the solution, especially in the face of the long-standing brain drain among our medical workforce. Investing in the health sector engages the talents and skills of our citizens, creating numerous job opportunities for graduates and technicians. This is a notable aspect of our national development narrative.”

The Vice President also revealed that the National Economic Council (NEC), which he chairs, has prioritized investments in developing Nigeria’s human capital, with health and nutrition being key areas of focus. “Each of our state governors is fully on board. We all recognize that no nation can optimize its opportunities without investing in its healthcare. For us, this is only the beginning,” he assured.

Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to these goals, Shettima stated, “We welcome this intervention, not just because it aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to unlock Nigeria’s healthcare value chain, but also because of its far-reaching implications for our national development. We stand ready to move forward together into the future, and I assure you that the government will continue to be your steadfast partner in this effort to serve the nation and humanity, with full support to achieve our shared goals.”

Shettima praised Alhaji Ibrahim Mijinyawa, the Chairman and Founder of Sahad Group of Companies, as a good and trustworthy businessman, recounting how he intervened when Sahad Stores Ltd was locked up by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). “When the FCCPC locked up his store, I called the head of the agency to say, ‘Please, reopen the store before you come and tell me what happened.’ I did this because I know how helpful Sahad Stores is to many Nigerians,” he explained.

“He (Alhaji Mijinyawa) is a very good man. He has used his business to touch many lives. If he were selfish, he could have kept his wealth for himself and his descendants alone, as he has enough to live comfortably. But instead, he has chosen to continue helping humanity. I had many engagements scheduled for this weekend, but I had to prioritize this event because I believe we should support those who work for the betterment of humanity.”

Deputy Senate President and Chairman of the occasion, Senator Barau Jibrin, expressed profound gratitude to Alhaji Mijinyawa for his philanthropy and commitment to quality service, particularly to the less privileged. Represented by Senator Garba Musa Maidoki, Jibrin emphasized that Sahad Hospitals would provide services to both high- and low-income Nigerians and encouraged the hospital to collaborate with NGOs that finance medical services for the less fortunate.

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, commended Alhaji Mijinyawa, saying the 200-bed Sahad Hospital represents a new chapter in Nigerian healthcare and showcases what can be achieved when public-spirited individuals invest in the well-being of their fellow citizens. He noted that the challenges in healthcare today require innovative efforts from both the government and the private sector.

Vice Chairman of Sahad Hospital, Dr. Shamsuddeen Aliyu, described the facility as a state-of-the-art hospital built to deliver quality healthcare and uphold the well-being of those it serves. “Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the hospital—from design to equipment—is centered around patients’ needs,” Aliyu stated.