FG Approves National Snakebite Centre, N128.29bn for Healthcare and Aviation Projects

 

By Abdulahi Musa 

The Federal Government has approved the establishment of the National Snakebite Research and Medical Centre in Kaltungo, Gombe State, as part of major investments in Nigeria's health sector.

The approval was granted on Monday during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, said the council approved four key health projects alongside the construction of the Gboko Airstrip in Benue State, bringing the total value of the approvals to N128.29 billion.

According to Pate, the existing snakebite treatment facility in Kaltungo has now been upgraded into a National Snakebite Research and Medical Centre with an expanded mandate to provide specialised clinical services, research and professional training.

He explained that snakebite remains a neglected public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly in rural communities where farmers, herders, hunters, women and children are most vulnerable.

The minister disclosed that Nigeria records more than 43,000 snakebite cases annually, with many victims suffering death, disability, permanent disfigurement and psychological trauma.

He said the new institution would focus on treating snakebite and other venom-related conditions, conducting research on prevention and treatment, strengthening access to quality anti-snake venom, and collaborating with international research institutions.

Pate described the centre as the first of its kind in Nigeria and the West African sub-region, noting that it would primarily serve communities across the North-East, North-West and North-Central regions where snakebite incidents are most common.

The Federal Executive Council also approved N6.9 billion for the procurement of 10 compressed natural gas-powered blood donation clinic vans for the National Blood Service Agency.

According to the minister, Nigeria requires about 1.8 million units of blood annually, but currently collects only between 25 and 30 per cent of that need. He said the mobile blood donation units would improve blood collection for emergency surgeries, maternal healthcare, trauma victims and cancer patients.

In another approval, the council authorised the procurement of tuberculosis treatment commodities worth N62 billion.

Pate said the intervention marks a shift from Nigeria's long-standing dependence on international donors for TB treatment, adding that the government intends to build local manufacturing capacity for anti-tuberculosis medicines.

The council further approved N25 billion for the procurement of reproductive health and family planning commodities through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency for distribution to primary healthcare centres nationwide.

The minister said the initiative would improve access to maternal healthcare services while supporting women who choose family planning and birth spacing.

Also speaking after the meeting, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced that the council approved N34.39 billion for the construction of the Gboko Airstrip in Benue State.

Keyamo said the airstrip would support agricultural development, improve security operations in the Middle Belt, facilitate humanitarian interventions and strengthen emergency medical services in the region.

The approvals form part of the Federal Government's efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery, improve emergency response systems and expand critical infrastructure across the country.