NMA calls on Gov. Eno to designate the Ibom Medical City corridor as a free trade zone

The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has urged Governor Umo Eno to declare the Ibom Medical City Corridor a Tax Incentive and Free Trade Zone.

Professor Aniekan Peter, the state chairman of the NMA, stated in a goodwill message that the designation would draw local and international investors.

He added that it would encourage the creation of world‑class hospitals, pharmaceutical firms, medical equipment manufacturers, and hospital consumables producers, thereby generating jobs and boosting economic growth.

The association also urged public and private investors—including federal, state, and privately owned teaching hospitals, specialist hospitals, and research institutions—to locate their facilities in Ibom Medical City.
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He said, “The clustering of healthcare institutions will foster collaboration in clinical services, specialist training, medical education, research, and innovation, thereby establishing the city as Nigeria’s foremost healthcare hub.”

The association further asked the governor to actively partner with Akwa Ibom medical professionals abroad in the planning, development, governance, and operation of the Ibom Medical City.

He added, “Harnessing the expertise, global experience and international networks of these professionals will help establish the highest standards of clinical care, medical education, research, hospital administration, quality assurance, and institutional governance.”

While reaffirming its readiness to collaborate with the state government on efficient healthcare delivery and the project's realization, the chairman urged Governor Eno to strongly consider designating the Ibom Specialist as a medical university/teaching hospital within the corridor.

Regarding the Ibom Specialist Hospital, the NMA thanked the governor for the upgrade, noting that the provision of a state‑of‑the‑art CT scanner and other modern diagnostic and therapeutic equipment would significantly improve healthcare delivery and reduce referrals outside the state.