Abuja Strengthens Health and Environmental Systems for 2026 and Beyond

Abuja, Nigeria’s model capital, is advancing its health and environmental systems under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of FCT Minister Barrister Chief Nyesom Wike. The Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), led by Mandate Secretary Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, is implementing strategies to enhance emergency care, women’s health, service access, and sustainability across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Chiemelie Ezeobi reports.

Emergency and Critical Care Investments

Emergency and critical care are priorities for 2026 and beyond. Fully functional oxygen plants at Maitama, Asokoro, Bwari, and Abaji Hospitals support intensive care and reduce avoidable deaths. “At the core of any functional health system is the ability to save lives at critical moments,” Dr. Fasawe said. “Our investments in oxygen production and emergency response are designed to ensure that no patient is left without lifesaving support.” (WHO on oxygen in health systems)

The FCT Emergency Medical System has been revitalized with 12 ambulances, improving response times. The operational Public Health Emergency Operations Centre bolsters preparedness for outbreaks and public health emergencies, similar to successes in Nigeria's TB control efforts.

Advancing Women’s Health

A 20-bed Vesico Vaginal Fistula Centre at Gwarimpa Hospital provides specialized care for women. “This facility restores dignity and provides hope to women who have lived with preventable conditions for far too long,” Dr. Fasawe said.

The first Colposcopy Centre in an FCTA public hospital at Wuse District Hospital supports cervical cancer prevention. Over 10,000 sterile delivery kits and insecticide-treated nets have been distributed to pregnant women, with nutritional support for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Expanding Access and Preventive Care

The FCT exceeded the presidential target of 25,000 new health insurance beneficiaries by 85%, enrolling pregnant women and indigent residents in the Federal Health Insurance Scheme. “Access must be affordable and close to the people,” Dr. Fasawe said. “Health insurance is one of the most effective tools for protecting families from financial hardship.” See Nigeria's GIFSHIP insurance model.

Project 10 Million surpassed screening targets by 40,000 for hypertension and diabetes. Renewed Hope Medical Missions in Kuje and Bwari treated over 10,000 patients and conducted 225 free surgeries. The Renewed Hope Medical Palliative Initiative supported 1,500 vulnerable patients with free medicines.

All 14 FCTA district and general hospitals now use Electronic Health Record systems, with interoperability planned next. “This is about continuity of care,” Dr. Fasawe said. “Once registered in one hospital, patients should be seamlessly served across the system.” (FMoH Nigeria on digital health)

Health Workforce and Primary Health Care

Salary arrears for 2023 health recruits have been cleared, CONHESS reviewed upward, and 43 call rooms renovated. Recruitment continues across cadres. Medical residency training includes prompt allowances, exam sponsorships, and improved pass rates. The FCT School of Nursing and Midwifery has been upgraded to a College.

“Our health workers are indispensable,” Dr. Fasawe said. “Investing in their welfare and training directly improves patient care.”

Primary Health Care (PHC) efforts include restructuring the FCT PHC Board, increased funding, and staff accommodation for 24-hour services, raising immunization coverage from 41% to 46%. A telemedicine pilot, with an MOU signed, will roll out to 100 PHC facilities. Related innovations in sickle cell care.

Health-Environment Integration and Sustainability

In partnership with IHS Towers, 5,000 free gas cylinders and burners are distributed to pregnant women and vulnerable households to reduce indoor air pollution. “Environmental interventions are public health interventions,” Dr. Fasawe said. (EPA on indoor air pollution)

Tree-planting with the U.S. and Irish Embassies and pollution controls support a greener Abuja. Sustainability measures include Public Private Partnerships, strengthened referrals, a 50% annual increase in the capital health budget, and over ₦1 billion in counterpart funding for malaria, immunization, and health projects.

Upcoming: The IMPACT Project will upgrade 20 PHCs to Tier 2. The Islamic Development Bank-supported FCT Strategic Healthcare Development Project will deliver seven new PHCs, the first College of Health Technology, the first Infectious Disease Hospital, the first Institute of Biomedical Sciences, and upgrades to 150 PHCs. (Official FCT Administration)

Outlook for 2026

“Our responsibility is to ensure that Abuja’s health system and environment reflect the vision of a modern capital,resilient, equitable, and responsive to the needs of all residents, especially the most vulnerable,” Dr. Fasawe said. “The work continues, but the direction is unmistakable.”

These initiatives position the FCT to consolidate gains and serve future generations, amid calls for better hospital preparedness like Senate mandates on snakebites.