Abia Eyes $200m From Medical Tourism

Abia State governor, Alex Otti, says the state is targeting about $200 million annually from medical tourism once its planned Medical City project is completed.

Otti said the goal is to tap into the over $2 billion Nigerians currently spend yearly on medical treatment abroad and redirect a portion of that spending into Nigeria’s domestic healthcare system.

The governor’s position was contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, and made available to newsmen in Umuahia, the state capital, on Wednesday.

According to the statement, Otti spoke at Invest Lagos 3.0, the third edition of the international investment summit hosted by the Lagos State Government led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in partnership with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council.

The summit, themed: “Lagos: Business Gateway to Africa – Powering Africa’s Next Era of Trade, Talent and Global Economic Leadership,” brought together investors, policymakers and global business leaders.

Otti said Abia State requires increased investment in its healthcare sector, noting that the sector has received 15 percent of the state’s annual budget over the past three years, second only to education, which received 20 percent.

“Today we have been rated as the most health-prepared state (SBM, 2025 Report). That’s looking at how much money we have allocated per capita on healthcare,” he said.

He disclosed that the state has refurbished 277 Primary Healthcare Centres, out of which about 135 are already functional, adding that efforts are ongoing to activate more facilities as equipment and personnel become available.

Otti also said the state has recruited about 800 healthcare professionals, some of whom were brought in from outside Abia to strengthen service delivery.

He further noted that the government is rebuilding seven general hospitals as part of broader health sector reforms.

The governor said Abia is also upgrading its tertiary health institutions, including the Abia State University Teaching Hospital in Aba, the Specialist Hospital in Amachara, and another facility in Umunnato.

“Where do we need help? We need help in our vision to build a Medical City. We have acquired 200 hectares for it. We have prepared it; we’ve built the road. But we need about $1.3 billion to put that in place,” he said.

On industrial development, Otti said investors are also being sought for the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park located in Owaza, an oil and gas hub.

He added that he is engaging AFREXIM Bank on opportunities in industrial park development, following presentations at the summit.

The governor also highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, including the construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation of 414 roads spanning about 864 kilometres, as well as 82 additional roads covering about 211 kilometres.

He said the state is also transforming major commercial centres, including the Ekeoha Market and the ongoing modernisation of Ariaria International Market, among other key economic hubs.