Ejiro Efenudu
The Bank of Industry (BOI) has renewed its commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s healthcare system through targeted investments. The goal is to reduce the number of Nigerians traveling abroad for treatment and to keep skilled health workers from leaving the country.
In a statement issued on Sunday, BOI expressed concern over the billions of naira Nigeria loses each year to medical tourism. According to the bank, many of these treatments could be carried out locally—if the country had better infrastructure and more trained professionals.
The bank also noted that the growing number of doctors and nurses leaving the country has further weakened the already struggling healthcare system. It called for urgent and lasting reforms to reverse this trend.
Speaking during an inspection visit to a Nisa Premier Hospital project in Abuja, BOI’s Executive Director of Large Enterprises, Ifeoma Uz’Okpala, said the project represents a major step forward in the bank’s partnership with the private health provider.
“This initiative reflects our continued support for healthcare providers committed to delivering high-quality services,” Uz’Okpala stated. “Our goal is to help Nigerians access world-class treatment within the country, without needing to travel abroad.”
She emphasized that BOI is investing in projects that will not only improve facilities but also build confidence in Nigeria’s health system.
The Senate Committee on Industries, which joined the tour of the hospital project, praised BOI’s efforts. The committee said that strong collaboration between government and private institutions is key to improving healthcare and keeping medical professionals in the country.
The Bank of Industry explained that healthcare is a top priority because of its direct impact on people’s lives, national productivity, and economic growth.
As Nigeria looks for long-term solutions to its health sector challenges, BOI’s continued investment is seen as a step toward building a stronger, more self-reliant healthcare system—one that can serve the needs of its people and attract talent to stay and thrive at home.
