Abuja is set to become the healthcare hub of West Africa with the unveiling of the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) in June 2025.
This cutting-edge facility, featuring a Cyclotron for advanced diagnostics and targeted therapies, promises to transform healthcare across Nigeria and the region.
The AMCE, a $250 million state-of-the-art facility located in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will be a game-changer in the treatment of cancer, sickle cell, and cardiovascular diseases.
The Cyclotron, a critical piece of medical technology, will produce essential medical isotopes for diagnostics and therapies, ensuring a steady local supply and reducing reliance on expensive imports.
Speaking on Thursday during a media engagement, AMCE’s CEO, Brian Deaver, emphasized the center’s pivotal role in advancing healthcare in Nigeria.
“Our Cyclotron facility is a life-changing innovation that will address the growing burden of diseases in our communities,” he said, noting the facility’s capacity to simultaneously serve five hospitals in the sub-region—a first for the region.
Deaver highlighted the strategic partnerships AMCE has secured with key organizations like the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and the Bank of Industry (BOI).
With the infrastructure and 150,000 pieces of equipment already procured and crucial regulatory stages met, he assured that the project is on track for its June 2025 launch.
The project, he added, is oversubscribed, eliminating the risk of delays.
The AMCE is expected to generate significant employment, having already created 640 jobs, with projections to add 500-600 more within four years.
In a major boost for local talent development, 90% of the workforce will be locally hired.
Additionally, the AMCE will launch a medical school in partnership with King’s College London within the next 18-24 months, contributing to knowledge transfer and capacity building.Deaver also spoke of the center’s mission to reverse Nigeria’s $1 billion annual medical tourism deficit by providing world-class healthcare locally. “We are building a self-sufficient healthcare system that will not only address the treatment gaps for non-communicable diseases but also position Nigeria as a medical hub for West Africa,” he said.In line with this vision, the AMCE has partnered with King’s College, London, and Novartis to develop genome-specific medicines tailored to African genetic profiles. This groundbreaking initiative aims to address the limitations of drugs developed for European and American genetic traits, ensuring that African patients receive more effective treatments.The AMCE will also prioritize equal access to healthcare, having secured a $7 million donation to support the AMCE Foundation, which will ensure that even low-income patients can benefit from its services.Yau Idris, Director General of the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NNRC), praised the facility’s potential to revolutionize nuclear medicine in the region. Represented by Fatima Ige, Deputy General Manager of the agency, Idris expressed confidence that the AMCE would meet all remaining certification requirements, solidifying its place as a trailblazer in healthcare.With its advanced infrastructure, strategic partnerships, and commitment to local capacity building, the AMCE is poised to reshape healthcare in Nigeria and West Africa, offering hope to millions suffering from chronic illnesses and creating a robust, resilient healthcare ecosystem for the future.
