Bulgaria Backs Ebonyi’s 1,200-Bed University Hospital, Pledges Stronger Ties with Nigeria

The Bulgarian government has pledged deeper diplomatic and development ties with Nigeria, expressing firm support for the construction of a 1,200-bed Multi-Functional University Hospital in Ebonyi State a project expected to redefine healthcare delivery in the region and across West Africa.

During a courtesy visit by a delegation of Bulgarian investors led by Ms. Velichka Stamenova of Neuro Pharma Group Ltd, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Bulgarian Embassy in Abuja, Mr. Ruben Pirontchev, described the initiative as a testament to Nigeria’s growing commitment to international collaboration in critical sectors such as health.

Pirontchev reaffirmed Bulgaria’s readiness to contribute technical expertise and medical innovation to the Ebonyi hospital project, calling it “a visionary step that symbolizes Nigeria’s determination to build sustainable healthcare systems through global partnerships.”

“We have many experienced Bulgarian experts eager to contribute to meaningful projects such as this,” Pirontchev said.

“The Embassy will remain fully supportive, and we look forward to regular updates as the project progresses.”

He commended the Ebonyi State Government for prioritizing citizens’ welfare through ambitious healthcare reforms, adding that the proposed hospital would significantly enhance access to medical care, foster medical tourism, and further strengthen Nigeria–Bulgaria relations.

Leading the Ebonyi delegation, the Commissioner for Grants and Donor Agencies, Hon. Solomon Azi, said the project aligns with Governor Francis Nwifuru’s vision to make quality healthcare accessible to all. He noted that the state government had committed to providing 30 percent counterpart funding, while partner firms from Bulgaria, Turkey, and Rwanda would contribute between 40 and 70 percent of the total investment.

“Governor Nwifuru is deeply passionate about improving the health and well-being of Ebonyi people,” Azi said. “This partnership is part of his administration’s broader plan to transform the state into a medical and educational hub.”

The Africa Coordinator of Jet Age Nation Builders, Ambassador Young Piero Omatsaye, who facilitated the partnership, revealed that the hospital would be executed in multiple phases, from design and construction to training and operational management , to ensure sustainability and long-term impact.

Omatsaye explained that the facility would include specialized clinics, a modern emergency response system, and medical training programs to boost local capacity. He stressed that the project goes beyond infrastructure, aiming to create a “self-sustaining health ecosystem” that can serve as a model for other Nigerian states.

When completed, the Ebonyi 1,200-bed Multi-Functional University Hospital is projected to be one of the largest and most advanced healthcare institutions in Nigeria and Africa. It is expected to deliver cutting-edge medical services, facilitate research, and reduce the number of Nigerians seeking medical treatment abroad.

The Bulgarian envoy also disclosed plans to visit Ebonyi soon, commending the state’s leadership for its proactive approach to development. He described Ambassador Omatsaye as a “trusted friend of the Embassy and a well-connected personality who represents Nigeria remarkably across Europe.”

The project represents a growing wave of public–private partnerships and cross-border collaborations reshaping Africa’s healthcare landscape, with Bulgaria positioning itself as a strategic European ally in Nigeria’s pursuit of sustainable development.