31/08/2026
Akwa Ibom Government Commends PPP Model as Emoimee Trust Upgrades Five Health Centres in Mbo
The Akwa Ibom State Primary Healthcare Development Agency has commended the public-private partnership model behind the renovation of five primary healthcare centres in Mbo Local Government Area.
An advance inspection team from the Agency recently visited the facilities to assess their readiness ahead of their official commissioning and handover for management.
The centres, renovated by the Emoimee Host Community Development Trust in partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Seplat Energy, are located in Ebughu 1, Udesi, Enwang, Uda Mbo and Esuk Enwang.
The inspection focused on the facilities’ preparedness for expanded operational management by the Agency. Most of the centres are already benefiting from the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, and the upgrades are expected to improve their efficiency, increase service capacity and strengthen healthcare delivery across the riverine communities.
Upon completion of the process, the facilities will be formally handed over to the Agency for management and operational oversight.
The Agency is also expected to support their further accreditation under the health insurance gateway.
The rehabilitation is particularly significant for remote communities where extensive waterways and the absence of motorable roads have historically made access to medical care difficult. Residents have often had to travel by boat or ferry, including during medical emergencies.
The upgraded facilities feature structural expansions, solar power installations, potable water systems and furnished staff quarters. These improvements are expected to restore dignity in healthcare delivery while bringing essential services closer to residents of the isolated creek communities.
The intervention also addresses the shortage of personnel previously experienced at the centres. Recruitment of state health workers is ongoing, with newly employed personnel expected to be deployed to the upgraded facilities.
The provision of on-site accommodation is intended to encourage health workers to live within the communities and ensure round-the-clock emergency care.
Speaking during the assessment, the Agency’s Head of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr Aniekan David, commended the Emoimee Trust and its corporate partners for supporting the state’s ARISE Healthcare initiatives for all.
David said strong public-private partnerships were essential to accelerating healthcare infrastructure development, particularly in difficult-to-reach riverine areas. He added that such collaborations would enable government agencies to deploy personnel and sustain quality healthcare services in the communities.
Representing the host communities, Mr John Bassey a former international president Oron Union youth wing,expressed gratitude for the transformation. He said functional, powered health centres with resident medical personnel would eliminate the life-threatening risks associated with travelling by boat during late-night emergencies.The commissioning and formal management takeover of the five facilities are expected to further strengthen primary healthcare access in Mbo Local Government Area.
