The African Development Bank (AfDB) has greenlit a $46 million loan aimed at transforming the healthcare infrastructure in Sokoto State, tackling long-standing challenges in access and quality of medical services.
According to an official statement obtained by PUNCH Online on Friday, the AfDB’s Board of Directors approved the loan to support the Sokoto State Health Infrastructure Project a major initiative designed to overhaul the state’s healthcare facilities and systems.
The statement highlighted the urgent need for intervention, noting alarming health indicators in Sokoto. Currently, only 5% of children in the state are fully vaccinated, while infant mortality rates stand at 104 deaths per 1,000 live births almost twice the national average of 63. Additionally, less than 14% of health facilities have functioning infrastructure, and the doctor-to-patient ratio is a stark 1:8,285, far below the World Health Organization’s recommended 1:1,000 ratio.
The project will focus on the construction and outfitting of climate-resilient health infrastructure across all levels of care. Planned developments include a 1,000-bed teaching hospital complex, three zonal hospitals with a combined 450 beds, and six strategically placed primary healthcare centers to serve rural communities.
Beyond building infrastructure, the initiative will rehabilitate health training institutions and establish a modern medical warehouse to strengthen pharmaceutical supply chains.
Abdul Kamara, Director General of AfDB’s Nigeria Office, emphasized the lasting benefits of the investment, stating, “This project underscores our commitment to closing critical infrastructure gaps in Nigeria’s health sector while building climate-adapted facilities that will improve health outcomes for millions.”
Aligned with Nigeria’s National Development Plan (2021-2025) and the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, the project is set to create around 2,500 jobs, with 60% earmarked for youth and 30% for women. It also plans to integrate electronic health records and renewable energy systems to promote sustainability and reduce carbon emissions.
The initiative includes expanding local medical and nursing school capacities, adding 700 new training slots annually to address the shortage of skilled health workers in the region.
The African Development Bank highlighted that the project builds on its previous investments in Nigeria’s health sector, where it has financed four projects totaling nearly $118 million. It will also collaborate with key partners such as UNICEF, WHO, and USAID to ensure a comprehensive and effective health system upgrade.
Reaffirming its dedication, the Bank concluded: “We remain committed to improving the quality of life across Africa by investing in resilient, inclusive health infrastructure that fosters sustainable development.”
