In a significant development for Nigeria’s healthcare system, First Lady Aisha Buhari inaugurated the Presidential/VIP Wing of the State House Medical Centre, declaring an end to the era where Nigerian Presidents and their families had to seek medical treatment abroad. The facility, constructed at a cost of N21 billion, is located within the precincts of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
During the inauguration ceremony, the First Lady expressed her satisfaction and fulfillment in bringing this long-awaited project to reality. She revealed that she initiated the project six years ago after her husband, President Muhammadu Buhari, spent an extended period receiving medical treatment overseas. Her aim was to provide a state-of-the-art medical facility within Nigeria, eliminating the need for leaders to seek healthcare abroad.
Aisha Buhari emphasized that the new Presidential/VIP Wing would accommodate medical experts who can fly in to assist their colleagues, thus ensuring top-notch healthcare services for the President and the First Family. She highlighted that Nigeria possesses a wealth of medical expertise, and it is crucial to provide them with a suitable platform to deliver quality care.
The First Lady underscored the significance of this initiative, pointing out that the existing medical center intended to serve the First Family was also catering to a significant number of approximately 35,000 people. This overcrowding necessitated the establishment of a separate VIP Wing in close proximity to the Presidential Villa.
When asked if the new medical facility would eliminate the need for Nigerian leaders to seek treatment abroad, Aisha Buhari responded with an affirmative “yes.” She expressed her belief that Nigerian leaders would no longer have to spend months abroad for healthcare, as the Presidential/VIP Wing would provide comprehensive medical services. Instead, the focus would be on bringing in specialized experts when required, ensuring that Nigerians can access high-quality healthcare within the country.
The inauguration of the Presidential/VIP Wing comes after concerns were raised regarding President Muhammadu Buhari’s frequent trips to the United Kingdom for medical treatment. According to a report by SaharaReporters in August 2021, the President had spent a total of 200 days, or approximately seven months, receiving medical care in the UK since assuming office in May 2015.
Coincidentally, on May 16, 2023, President Buhari returned to Abuja from London, where he had been undergoing dental treatment. The President had traveled to London to attend the coronation of King Charles III and the Queen Consort, Camilla. Initially planned for five days, his stay was extended by a week to complete his dental treatment, based on the advice of his dentist.
While the President sought medical attention overseas, reports had also surfaced about former Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu, who is set to be sworn in as President on May 29, 2023, receiving medical treatment in a hospital in Paris, France. The establishment of the Presidential/VIP Wing underscores the significance of providing advanced medical facilities within Nigeria, ensuring that future presidents and their families can access world-class healthcare without the need to travel abroad.