Bulgaria Partners Ebonyi State for 1,200-Bed Multifunctional University Hospital

International Collaboration to Boost Healthcare in Ebonyi State

The Bulgarian Government has formally indicated its readiness to collaborate with Nigeria's Ebonyi State Government on the development of a 1,200-bed Multifunctional University Hospital. This significant partnership, announced on October 10, 2025, is poised to revolutionize healthcare delivery in the region and foster stronger diplomatic ties between Bulgaria and Nigeria.

Project Scope and Funding Model

The proposed hospital is envisioned as a state-of-the-art facility, designed to include associated clinics and an integrated emergency medical services system. It is expected to become one of the largest and most advanced health facilities in both Nigeria and Africa upon its completion. The project will be executed in phases, encompassing construction, equipping, and eventual management, alongside crucial components for staff training and knowledge transfer to build local capacity.

Financially, the initiative will see a joint investment model. The Ebonyi State Government has committed to providing 30 percent of the required counterpart funding. The remaining 40 to 70 percent of the total investment will be supplied by Neuro Pharma Group Ltd, a Bulgarian pharmaceutical company led by Ms. Velichka Stamenova, and its partner construction firms from Bulgaria, Turkey, and Rwanda.

Official Endorsement and Statements

The endorsement was conveyed by Mr. Ruben Pirontchev, the Chargé d'Affaires of the Bulgarian Embassy in Abuja, during a meeting with a delegation of Bulgarian investors and Ebonyi State officials. Mr. Pirontchev affirmed the Embassy's full support for the initiative, stating, 'The Embassy will remain fully supportive of this initiative.' He also praised Ambassador Young Piero Omatsaye, Africa Coordinator of Jet Age Nation Builders, for his pivotal role in facilitating the partnership, describing him as 'a trusted friend of the Embassy' and 'a highly respected, well-connected personality who represents Nigeria remarkably well across Europe and beyond.'

Representing Ebonyi State, Hon. Solomon Azi, the Commissioner for Grants and Donor Agencies, reaffirmed the state's commitment. He highlighted Governor Francis Nwifuru's vision, stating, 'Our governor is deeply passionate about the health needs of the people. This project is in line with his vision to provide accessible and quality healthcare to every citizen. The Ebonyi Government is fully committed to supporting and facilitating this partnership.' Ms. Stamenova expressed optimism about the collaboration, noting Ebonyi's positive assessments for investment and government enthusiasm.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

This healthcare collaboration is seen as a significant step towards strengthening the broader relationship between Bulgaria and Nigeria. Bulgaria has a history of cooperation with Nigeria, including contributions to health and education systems, and this project further solidifies their commitment to development partnerships in Africa. The new hospital is expected to not only expand access to quality medical care for Ebonyi residents but also serve as a model for medical excellence and sustainable health systems across the continent.