BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, JANUARY 20, 2026 | 12 08 PM
Women, children, and other vulnerable populations across the North-East are expected to gain improved access to specialist healthcare following renewed investments by the North-East Development Commission, NEDC.
The commission on Monday, inspected newly installed ophthalmology equipment at the Maiduguri Eye Hospital in Borno State.
The equipment, valued at over ₦3 billion, was supplied as part of NEDC’s efforts to rebuild and modernize tertiary health institutions in the region.
Mohammed Goni Alkali, MD/CEO of NEDC, said the commission first assessed the hospital about two years ago.
He noted that the facility, constructed in the 1970s, suffered major deficiencies in infrastructure and medical equipment.
‘It was important not only to provide equipment but also to ensure proper installation and professional training for staff,’ Alkali said.
Early last year, the Commission handed over the ophthalmology equipment to Babagana Umara Zulum, Governor of Borno State, for onward use at the hospital.
Alkali expressed satisfaction that the machines have now been fully installed and are operational.
He said the commission’s research also revealed that only one functional MRI machine exists in the entire North-East, located in Yobe State and over 15 years old.
‘We have approved MRI machines for all teaching hospitals in the region, and most equipment has already been ordered. It will arrive within the next two months,’ he said.
Beyond Borno State, the Commission is undertaking similar interventions, including the construction of an ultra-modern Eye Institute at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi.
The initiative is aimed at reducing avoidable blindness, strengthening referral systems, and ensuring that vulnerable populations can access advanced medical services closer to home.
Officials said the integrated approach of infrastructure upgrades, equipment deployment, and human capacity development will improve healthcare delivery and reinforce the resilience of tertiary hospitals across the North-East.