The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Borno State Government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), officially handing over the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare, Borno state to the Federal Government.

The signing ceremony which took place in the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja at the weekend, marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to expand access to quality tertiary healthcare in the country, particularly in the insurgency affected North East region.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, expressed profound gratitude to the Federal Government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; for creating an enabling environment that facilitated the federal government take-over of the facility.

“I want to most sincerely convey my deep appreciation to the federal government of Nigeria under the distinguished leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating an enabling environment that has ensured the take-up of the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Borno State,” Governor Zulum said.

He commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and Honourable Minister of State for Health , Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, for their dynamic leadership in transforming the health sector.

“This kind of phenomenal growth has not been witnessed in recent times. Nigerians must commend you so that you do more. As Governor of Borno state, I will continue to provide the political will to ensure the sustainability of not just the National Orthopaedic Hospital but all tertiary health institutions in the state,” he added.

Governor Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the hospital’s operations and assured the Federal Government that Borno would uphold the spirit and letter of the MoU.

“We shall have faith in what has been endorsed today. All other necessary documents will be provided. Borno State will continue to support the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare,” he said.

Zulum also revealed plans by the state to construct a replicating general hospital that could be converted to a federal medical centre, noting that Borno remains the only state in Nigeria without a federal medical centre.

Earlier, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, who co-signed the MoU on behalf of the federal government, lauded Governor Zulum for his proactive partnership and support for healthcare development in the state.

“The people of Borno have long awaited this, and we at the federal level are equally excited to see this partnership bear fruit. This hospital will serve not just Borno but the entire North East region,” Dr. Salako said.

In a statement by the deputy director information and public relations in the ministry, Alaba Balogun, Salako further praised Governor Zulum’s commitment to health sector reforms, recalling his visit to Maiduguri during the National Council on Health meeting.

“Despite recent flooding, the state capital showed no traces of the disaster due to the Governor’s rapid response. His health-friendly policies, including salary harmonization for doctors and generous investment in health infrastructure, are commendable,” the Minister said.

The take-over of the National Orthopaedic Hospital is part of the Federal Government’s broader agenda to bring specialized care closer to Nigerians, reduce outbound medical tourism, and strengthen the tertiary health system.

Also present at the event were the Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom, Dr. Okpikpo Okpako, representing Dr. Salaudeen Jimoh, Director Hospital Services Department of the Ministry, the Borno State Commissioner of Health and officials, and Dr. Ramat Mohammed Chief Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare Hawul.

The MoU signing is expected to bolster healthcare delivery in Borno State and improve access to orthopaedic and trauma care for residents of the region who have long faced difficulties accessing specialized services.