Imo Regains Federal Medical Centre As FG Takes Over Okigwe Hospital
Dr. Nafisat Makinɗe
Imo State is set to regain a Federal Medical Centre following the Federal Government’s takeover of the General Hospital, Okigwe, a move aimed at expanding access to specialist healthcare services in the state.
The development was announced in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and signed by its Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, Ado Bako, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the ministry and the Imo State Government in Owerri on June 3.
According to the statement, the agreement clears the way for the conversion of General Hospital, Okigwe, into a Federal Medical Centre, restoring a federal tertiary healthcare institution in the state after the former Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, became a university teaching hospital.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said the new institution would bring specialist healthcare services closer to residents and support the Federal Government’s efforts to improve healthcare delivery nationwide.
“The establishment of this Federal Medical Centre is a reflection of our commitment to ensuring that Nigerians can access specialist healthcare services close to where they live,” Salako said during the signing ceremony.
He added that the Federal Government would begin an assessment of the hospital’s workforce and infrastructure, noting that employees willing to transfer to Federal Government service would be retained while additional personnel would be recruited where necessary.
Governor Hope Uzodimma said the state government handed over the hospital to facilitate the establishment of the medical centre, adding that the transfer included the facility’s assets, liabilities and workforce. He also said members of staff had expressed support for the transition to Federal Government service.
The statement noted that Dr. Emily Akuabia Nzeribe had earlier been appointed medical director of the Federal Medical Centre, Okigwe, having received her appointment letter from Salako on April 17, 2026. Federal authorities are expected to commence the process of upgrading the facility following the agreement.