\n\n
The Federal Government has approved the establishment of a National Snakebite Research and Medical Centre in Kaltungo, Gombe State, alongside a total expenditure of N128.29 billion for key health and aviation projects. The approvals were granted during a meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja.
According to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, the existing snakebite treatment facility in Kaltungo will be upgraded into a full-fledged national research and medical centre. The new institution will provide specialized treatment, conduct research on snakebite prevention and management, train healthcare professionals, and help improve access to anti-snake venom. The minister noted that Nigeria records more than 43,000 snakebite cases annually, many resulting in deaths, disabilities, and severe economic hardship, particularly among farmers, herders, hunters, women, and children.
FEC also approved several major healthcare interventions, including N62 billion for tuberculosis drugs and commodities, N25 billion for reproductive health and family-planning supplies, and N6.9 billion for the procurement of ten compressed natural gas-powered blood donation mobile clinics for the National Blood Service Agency. Officials said the investments are aimed at reducing dependence on foreign donors, strengthening healthcare delivery, and supporting plans for local production of critical medical commodities in the future.
In addition, the council approved N34.39 billion for the construction of the Gboko Airstrip in Benue State. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the facility will support agricultural activities, security operations, humanitarian missions, and emergency medical services in the Middle Belt region. The approvals form part of the government’s broader efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure, strengthen disease control programmes, and expand strategic transport facilities across the country.
