The Federal Government has approved the establishment of a National Snakebite Research and Medical Centre in Kaltungo, Gombe State, alongside the release of N128.29 billion for major health and aviation projects across the country.
The approvals were made on Monday during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja. It was the first Council meeting since March 4, 2026.
The package includes funding for tuberculosis commodities worth N62 billion, reproductive health drugs worth N25 billion, procurement of 10 blood donation vans valued at N6.9 billion, and the construction of the Gboko airstrip in Benue State at N34.39 billion.
Briefing State House correspondents after the meeting, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, said the Council considered four major health-related proposals aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Upgrade of Snakebite Centre in Gombe
Pate explained that the existing snakebite treatment facility in Kaltungo would be upgraded into a full-fledged National Snakebite Research and Medical Centre, with expanded responsibilities in clinical care, research and training.
He described snakebite as a major but neglected public health issue, especially in rural communities and savannah regions across Nigeria and West Africa.
According to him, more than 43,000 snakebite cases are recorded annually in Nigeria, many leading to deaths, disabilities, disfigurement and psychological trauma, with severe social and economic consequences.
He said the new centre would focus on specialised treatment, research into prevention and management, and ensure consistent availability of anti-snake venom.
Pate added that the facility would also collaborate with international partners and serve as the first of its kind in Nigeria and the wider sub-region, particularly addressing cases in the North-East, North-West and North-Central zones.
Blood Donation Vans for National Blood Service
The Council also approved the procurement of 10 compressed natural gas-powered blood donation clinic vans for the National Blood Service Agency at a cost of N6.9 billion.
Pate noted that Nigeria requires about 1.8 million units of blood annually, but currently meets only 25–30 per cent of that demand.
He said the mobile donation vehicles would help increase blood collection, particularly for emergency cases such as childbirth complications, surgeries, trauma injuries and cancer treatment.
Tuberculosis Drug Procurement and Local Production Plan
The third approval was for the procurement of tuberculosis commodities worth N62 billion, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s response to one of its most burdensome infectious diseases.
Pate said tuberculosis remains a disease closely linked to poverty, malnutrition and poor living conditions.
He explained that Nigeria has historically depended on external partners for TB drugs, but the new initiative marks a shift towards government-led procurement and eventual local production of both first-line and second-line TB medicines.
Reproductive Health Commodities
The Council also approved N25 billion for the procurement of reproductive health and family planning commodities through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) for distribution nationwide.
Pate said the programme would support maternal health and allow women who choose to do so access to family planning services, with plans to gradually develop local manufacturing capacity for these products.
Gboko Airstrip Project
In a related briefing, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), announced approval for the construction of the Gboko airstrip in Benue State, awarded to CCECC Nigeria Limited at a cost of N34.39 billion.
Keyamo said the Gboko axis plays a key role in agricultural production in the Middle Belt and is also strategically important for security operations.
He added that the airstrip would support military and humanitarian activities, as well as emergency medical response in the region.
According to him, the project is aimed at improving government response capacity to security and humanitarian challenges in the area.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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