OWERRI, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday said Nigeria now has the capacity to treat major illnesses such as cancer, declaring that the country’s hospitals are well-equipped to handle critical cases.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking in Owerri, Imo State, Tinubu praised recent improvements in the health sector while inaugurating projects completed by Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration.

“I have always believed in good governance. Today, Nigerians can say confidently that we have well-equipped hospitals, and we can treat critical illnesses such as cancer and other illnesses,” Tinubu said.

The president’s remarks, however, drew attention because he has frequently sought medical treatment abroad. Since taking office in 2023, Tinubu has traveled several times to France for undisclosed health care, prompting questions about his personal confidence in Nigeria’s medical system.

Praise for APC’s Record

Tinubu also used the event to defend the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that the party had steered Nigeria away from collapse.

“I stand before you with confidence to say that Nigeria is no longer where it was 10 years ago. We promised a change. Today, I can confidently tell you the worst is over,” he said.

The president highlighted economic indicators that he said showed progress. According to Tinubu, Nigeria’s economy grew by 4.3 percent in the second quarter of 2025, while inflation dropped to 20.12 percent. He further claimed that state governments were now financially stable.

“No state governor is borrowing to pay salaries,” Tinubu said.

Boost for State Governments

Governor Uzodimma, who welcomed Tinubu at the event, praised the president’s reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy.

“The subsidy removal has boosted state revenues and allowed us to start more projects for the people,” Uzodimma said.

Tinubu also attended the launch of Uzodimma’s book, A Decade of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria. The book highlights achievements of the APC at the national and state levels.

Health Sector Concerns

While Tinubu painted a positive picture of Nigeria’s hospitals, health experts and critics have pointed to continuing problems in the sector. Many Nigerians still struggle with high medical costs, understaffed facilities, and lack of specialized equipment outside major cities.

Cancer, in particular, remains a major challenge. According to the World Health Organization, Nigeria records more than 120,000 new cancer cases each year, but treatment centers are limited, and patients often travel abroad for advanced care.

Tinubu’s statement that the country can now handle such cases was welcomed by some as a sign of progress, but others questioned whether ordinary Nigerians could access the same level of care the president described.

Reactions and Criticism

Opposition figures and civil society groups quickly noted the contrast between Tinubu’s remarks and his personal medical record. Since becoming president, he has not relied on Nigerian hospitals for his own treatment, instead making repeated medical visits to Europe.

Critics argue that this undermines public trust. “If the president himself does not use local hospitals, how can Nigerians believe they are truly ready for complex treatments like cancer?” one political analyst in Abuja told reporters.

The Road Ahead

Tinubu’s administration has promised to increase investment in health infrastructure, including upgrading teaching hospitals and expanding access to affordable care. Government officials say reforms are underway to reduce the number of Nigerians seeking medical treatment abroad.

For now, Tinubu’s comments signal his confidence that progress is being made. But many citizens remain cautious, waiting to see if the changes will translate into reliable, accessible care for millions of patients.

As the president continues to push his economic and social reforms, his ability to convince Nigerians that their hospitals can meet global standards may be one of the toughest challenges of his term.