President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of over 8,800 new Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across Nigeria, as part of a comprehensive initiative aimed at overhauling the country’s healthcare system. This bold move is set to address the country’s critical healthcare challenges, especially in underserved areas.
The announcement was made by Vice President Kashim Shettima during the commissioning of the Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa Trauma Centre in Sagamu, Ogun State, on Saturday, April 5, 2025. The Vice President also underscored the significance of private sector involvement in the ongoing healthcare reforms, which he said are essential for the future of Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system.
The 8,800 new PHCs will be spread across the country and are part of the government’s strategic efforts to ensure that healthcare services are more accessible to the Nigerian populace, particularly those in rural and remote areas. The PHCs will not only provide basic healthcare services but will also serve as a foundation for expanding the reach of medical care throughout Nigeria.
In his remarks, Vice President Shettima said, “In a nation facing rising urbanization, motorization, and industrial risks, trauma care is no longer optional—it is essential.” He noted that the establishment of these PHCs will go hand-in-hand with the upgrade of existing tertiary institutions, which will focus on trauma care, oncology, and infectious disease control.
The Vice President emphasized the need for collaborative efforts, stating that the government cannot tackle the enormous challenges in the healthcare sector alone. He called on the private sector to play an even more significant role in the ongoing health reforms, asserting that a partnership between public and private sectors would be key to achieving sustainable improvements in healthcare delivery across Nigeria.
Vice President Shettima praised the Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa Trauma Centre as an example of how the private sector can contribute to the development of the healthcare system. He described the centre as “a lifeline and a sanctuary where the wounded can find healing, and where families in despair can find hope.”
The centre was built by the Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa Foundation and is located within the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital. It aligns with the Federal Government’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, which seeks to modernize healthcare facilities across the country. This includes enhancing trauma care infrastructure, providing specialized medical services, and expanding access to essential health services.
At the commissioning ceremony, Shettima reiterated the government’s commitment to improving healthcare through strategic investments and collaborations. He also highlighted the importance of initiatives such as the National Health Insurance Scheme and the Digital Health Information Management System, which are designed to ensure that no Nigerian is left behind in the delivery of healthcare.
The newly inaugurated trauma centre in Sagamu is a significant addition to Nigeria’s emergency medical infrastructure. It is designed to provide emergency medical care and manage trauma-related cases, which are becoming increasingly vital in light of Nigeria’s growing urbanization and industrialization.
The centre is a gift from Chief Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa, a philanthropist and former chairman of Sterling Bank Plc, in celebration of his 80th birthday. During his speech, Adegunwa recalled the long-standing connection he has with the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, noting that he had previously donated a modern audio centre to the institution back in 1995.
Adegunwa expressed deep pride in the new trauma centre, highlighting the importance of giving back to the community. “I am reminded by a passage in the Quran which enjoins everyone to spend from that which has been provided for them before it no longer exists,” he said. His donation is a testament to his commitment to supporting public health initiatives and leaving a lasting legacy in his home state.
The trauma centre, which was initially budgeted at N800 million, was completed at a cost exceeding N2 billion, thanks to Adegunwa’s personal commitment to providing the best possible care for Nigerians.
The commissioning of the Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa Trauma Centre coincided with the 80th birthday celebration of Chief Adegunwa, and it marks a significant milestone in Ogun State’s healthcare journey. Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State commended Adegunwa for his contribution to the state’s development, noting that the establishment of the trauma centre would serve as a crucial resource for the region.
Governor Abiodun also took the opportunity to highlight the remarkable transformation of the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital. He recalled how the hospital had been in poor condition when he assumed office in 2019, but thanks to efforts such as Adegunwa’s donation and strategic investments by the state government, the hospital is now a thriving institution.
The Governor expressed his gratitude to the Vice President for his support and leadership, emphasizing that the commissioning of the trauma centre marks the beginning of a new chapter for healthcare in Ogun State. He praised Adegunwa for his unwavering commitment to philanthropy, describing him as a visionary leader who continues to impact the lives of many.
In his speech, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Adéwálé Àjàyí, commended Chief Adegunwa for his selfless service to humanity and made a passionate plea for more federal investment in Remoland. He pointed out that, despite the region’s potential, it lacks key federal institutions such as universities and polytechnics, which are essential for the development of the area.
The traditional ruler urged Vice President Shettima to convey the need for greater federal presence in Remoland to President Bola Tinubu, noting that this would be a vital step toward ensuring the equitable distribution of resources and opportunities across Nigeria.
The establishment of 8,800 new Primary Healthcare Centres is a bold step toward addressing the pressing healthcare challenges in Nigeria. As Vice President Shettima pointed out, trauma care and emergency medical services are critical in the face of rising industrial risks and urbanization. The Nigerian government is making significant strides in improving its healthcare infrastructure, but as Shettima stressed, private sector participation is essential to achieving long-term success.
With this initiative, the Tinubu administration is laying the foundation for a healthcare system that is more accessible, responsive, and efficient, while also encouraging greater private sector involvement in driving innovation and investment. As the government continues to modernize and upgrade its healthcare facilities, the people of Nigeria can look forward to better healthcare services and improved outcomes for all.
The commissioning of the Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa Trauma Centre is a clear indication that the nation’s leaders are committed to improving healthcare, and it also highlights the importance of collaboration between the government, private sector, and philanthropic individuals to achieve meaningful change.
