News
Nigeria loses $2bn annually to medical tourism — FG
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, has revealed that Nigeria loses approximately $2 billion annually to medical tourism. He emphasised the urgent need for the country to build health sovereignty and reduce reliance on foreign medical care.
Represented by the Chief Medical Director of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Professor Wasiu Adeyemo, Pate made the statement during the commissioning of Avon Medical Centre, a newly established 50-bed speciality hospital in Surulere, Lagos.
He attributed the staggering loss to a lack of public confidence in the local healthcare system and limited access to quality medical services. Despite this, Pate expressed optimism that facilities like Avon Medical Centre could help reverse the trend.
He noted that the government is committed to revitalising the health sector through initiatives such as the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the 2024–2027 Health Sector Strategic Blueprint.
“This is not just about stopping medical tourism. It is about building health sovereignty—the ability of a country to care for its people, and to develop its institutions, talent, and innovation,” Pate stated.
“The government is ready to co-create pathways for private-sector engagement, whether through health insurance expansion, regulatory reform, or partnerships with national health programmes. We welcome Avon Medical and all new private providers as partners in building a healthier, safer, and more equitable Nigeria.”
Also speaking at the event, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu called for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors, stressing that the government alone cannot address the challenges in healthcare delivery.“We must create an enabling environment for private equity and investment to thrive,” he said. “Avon Medical has etched its name in the sands of time in this industry—not only in Lagos but across Nigeria.”
In her remarks, Chairperson of Avon Healthcare Limited, Awele Elumelu, highlighted the pressures on Nigeria’s healthcare system caused by a shortage of doctors, hospital beds, and essential equipment.
“In 2009, we took the bold step to make world-class healthcare accessible and affordable for all—not just the privileged few. That decision birthed Avon Medical and Avon HMO,” she said. “Africa carries over 20 percent of the global disease burden, yet has only one percent of healthcare resources
“What we are building is a healthcare system that leaves no one behind. We believe in Afri-capitalism—the idea that the private sector has a responsibility not just to generate profit but to create lasting impact.”
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s security, saying he feels perfectly safe during his visit to the country. His remarks come amid ongoing reports of insecurity in various parts of Nigeria, making his statement a notable endorsement of the nation’s stability in certain regions.
Johnson made the declaration on Thursday, December 4, 2025, while addressing participants at the Imo State Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri, the state capital. He acknowledged having read travel advisories and news reports highlighting security concerns prior to his trip but said his experience has been reassuring.
He said he feels perfectly safe in the country and emphasized that the summit environment and local hospitality contributed to his sense of security. He also asked the audience if they felt safe, receiving an enthusiastic affirmation.
During his visit, Johnson commended Governor Hope Uzodimma and the Imo State Government for their development initiatives, particularly efforts to provide 24-hour electricity. He highlighted the potential of Nigeria as a hub for innovation and economic growth, noting the opportunities presented by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
While his statements have been welcomed by some as a boost to international confidence in Nigeria, analysts caution that the former prime minister’s experience reflects only a controlled and secure environment within Imo State. Several parts of the country continue to face challenges, including banditry, communal conflicts, and kidnappings.
Nonetheless, Johnson’s visit and remarks are significant, sending a positive message to investors and global observers about Nigeria’s potential for stability and progress. They also underscore the contrast between localized experiences of safety and broader security challenges across the country.
By Emmanuel Iheaka, OWERRI
The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has assured Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State that his group will be one of the biggest investors in the state.
Dangote gave the assurance at the opening session of the Imo Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri on Thursday.
The renowned Africa’s industrialist urged Uzodimma to indicate his preferred area of investment and forget the rest.
Dangote described the Imo governor as a personal friend of decades and commended him for providing enabling environment for investment.
“We will be one of your biggest investors in Imo. So, please tell me the area to invest and we will invest”, Dangote declared.
He called on entrepreneurs to always invest at home, adding that foreigners cannot drive the economy of any nation more than the nationals.
“What attracts foreign investors is a domestic investor. Africa has about 30 percent of the world’s minerals. We are blessed,” he submitted.
Dangote reiterated that his refinery was set to launch 1.4 million barrels per day capacity, the highest for any single refinery in the world.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday declined to accept Prince Emmanuel Kanu’s appearance on behalf of his brother, Nnamdi Kanu, ruling that he is not a legal practitioner.
Boris Johnson Says He Feels “Perfectly Safe” in Nigeria, Praises Imo State’s Progress
Dangote to Uzodimma: Just show me where to invest
Judge rejects Nnamdi Kanu’s brother court appearance
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