By Abdullahi Alhassan
Borno, Nigeria- June 6, 2026(Series News Online)-Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Saturday issued a four-month deadline for the completion of the 300-bed State Orthopaedic Hospital along Dikwa Road in Maiduguri, which has reached 85 percent completion.
The directive was given during an inspection tour of key projects being executed by his administration. The Governor also assessed progress at the multi-billion naira 400-bed Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, which he said had attained over 90 percent completion.
Addressing journalists after inspecting the facilities, Governor Zulum assured that the flagship Kashim Ibrahim hospital would be ready for operation within 60 days.
“The equipment meant for this hospital has all been purchased, procured, and delivered. You can see the level of development in the hospital, and the consultant has informed us that over 90 percent of the work required has been completed,” Zulum said.
The Governor expressed confidence that outstanding works would be concluded within two months, enabling the hospital to commence services.
“We believe that within the next 60 days, we will round off all the outstanding works, and the hospital will be ready for utilisation. Regarding human resources for health, approval has already been granted, and about 350 staff members have been employed. We are set to go and ensure that this hospital, which has been our dream project, comes to stay,” he added.
Governor Zulum noted that his administration had invested heavily in healthcare infrastructure across the state and was determined to ensure effective management of the new facilities. He said the orthopaedic hospital would operate under a structured model that balances public access with financial sustainability.
“Business as usual will not be feasible. The cardinal objective of any government is to bring succour to the people, particularly the less privileged. However, we must establish certain standards for costing. We cannot charge like a private hospital, but we also cannot make everything completely free. There must be a minimum threshold that will ensure the sustainability of the hospital,” Zulum stated.
The Governor further stressed the need for full automation of the hospital’s operations, particularly billing and management systems, to guarantee transparency and efficiency.
“This hospital has the capacity to provide services not only to our people but also to those from neighboring countries. It will become a referral center for quality healthcare, provided it is managed effectively and sustainably,” the Governor added.
Earlier in the week, Zulum had inspected the 4,000-capacity International Conference Centre, the Post Office Flyover, and the 2.5km Tandari–Kasuwan Shani–Neital Shoe and Tannery Road. He also inspected ongoing construction of the road network at the Maiduguri Industrial Hub.
The Governor was accompanied on the inspection by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Bukar Tijani; the Acting Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe; Special Advisers; Permanent Secretaries; and other senior government officials.
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Healthcare