The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved a $46 million loan for the Sokoto State Health Infrastructure Project, a landmark initiative aimed at improving healthcare access and quality across the state.
The project comes in response to alarming health indicators in Sokoto, where only 5% of children are fully vaccinated and infant mortality reaches 104 deaths per 1,000 live births — nearly twice the national average of 63. Additionally, fewer than 14% of the state’s health facilities have functional infrastructure, with only one doctor available for every 8,285 residents, far below the WHO’s 1:1,000 benchmark.
The AfDB funding will support the development of climate-resilient health infrastructure across all tiers of care. This includes the construction of a 1,000-bed teaching hospital, three zonal hospitals with a total of 450 beds, and six rural-focused primary healthcare centres.
Other components of the project include the rehabilitation of health training institutions, the establishment of a modern pharmaceutical warehouse, and the integration of renewable energy systems and electronic health records to promote sustainability and efficiency.
“This investment illustrates our commitment to continue working with the Government to fill critical infrastructure gaps in Nigeria’s health system while building resilient, climate-adapted healthcare facilities,” said Abdul Kamara, AfDB Director General for Nigeria.
Aligned with Nigeria’s National Development Plan (2021–2025) and the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, the project is expected to create around 2,500 jobs — 60% for youth and 30% for women. It will also expand training capacity in medical and nursing schools, adding 700 new slots annually.
The project will be
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