“NMA Calls on Governor Eno to Declare Ibom Medical City Corridor a Free Trade Zone to Accelerate Healthcare Investment”

“NMA Calls on Governor Eno to Declare Ibom Medical City Corridor a Free Trade Zone to Accelerate Healthcare Investment”

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called on Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, to designate the Ibom Medical City corridor as a Free Trade Zone (FTZ), arguing that the move would significantly boost healthcare investment, attract international partners, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading destination for medical services in Africa.

The appeal was made during the association’s engagement with the Akwa Ibom State Government, where medical professionals highlighted the strategic importance of creating a business friendly environment around the emerging Ibom Medical City project.

According to the NMA, granting the corridor Free Trade Zone status would provide fiscal and regulatory incentives capable of attracting both local and foreign investors. The association believes such incentives would encourage the establishment of world-class hospitals, pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, medical research centres, biotechnology firms, and healthcare technology companies.

The proposed Ibom Medical City is envisioned as a modern healthcare ecosystem designed to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on outbound medical tourism while improving access to advanced medical care within the country. The project is also expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs across healthcare, construction, logistics, research, and allied industries.

The NMA stressed that a Free Trade Zone designation would enhance the competitiveness of the medical city by simplifying investment processes, reducing operational costs, and promoting innovation in healthcare delivery. The association further noted that similar models have successfully attracted investment in other parts of the world by combining healthcare infrastructure with investment-friendly policies.

Medical experts maintain that strengthening domestic healthcare infrastructure remains critical to addressing Nigeria’s healthcare challenges, including the growing cost of overseas medical treatment and the migration of skilled health professionals.

The association also urged the Akwa Ibom State Government to continue investing in policies that encourage public private partnerships, improve healthcare infrastructure, and position the state as a regional hub for medical excellence and innovation.

If approved, the Free Trade Zone designation could mark a significant milestone in the development of Ibom Medical City, potentially transforming Akwa Ibom into one of West Africa’s leading centres for healthcare investment, medical research, and specialist treatment.