By: John Bassey, Zamfara.

The Zamfara State Government Under the leadership of Governor Dauda Lawal has commenced the construction of a dedicated residential complex for doctors at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Gusau.

The project, designed to alleviate critical accommodation shortages, marked a significant investment in healthcare infrastructure and staff welfare.

Awarded to Gateway International Nigeria Limited, the contract for the 26-unit single-bedroom complex began in September 2024 and is projected for completion within one year. The Zamfara State Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is overseeing the project supervision.

Each of the 26 self-contained units will feature a kitchen, dining area, and a restroom. The two-story structure is strategically designed with 13 bedrooms on the ground floor and 13 on the upper floor. Construction is currently advancing rapidly, having progressed from the substructure to the superstructure, which has now reached the lintel level.

Gateway International Nigeria Limited has affirmed that all materials used on-site meet standard specifications and that construction is being executed strictly in accordance with the agreed design, specifications, and measurements.

In a notable statement, the Management of the Federal Medical Centre, Gusau, described this intervention as unprecedented. “An intervention of such magnitude is coming for the first time from any state government to the Centre,” stated the Medical Director, Dr Bello A. Mohammed (FWACS) through the Centre’s Public Relations Officer, Dr Naziru A Tukur Gusau.

The Medical Director expressed profound gratitude to Governor Dauda Lawal and his administration for fulfilling a promise made during a courtesy visit by the Centre’s management in January 2025. During that visit, the delegation had appealed for state government’s support, including the provision of a Hilux utility vehicle, the construction of doctors’ quarters, and gubernatorial intervention for the speedy establishment of a teaching hospital in the state.

Commenting on the project’s strategic benefit, the Head of Clinical Services and Training, Dr. Umar Abdullahi (FMCP), noted, “Having doctors’ residence closer to the clinical areas ensures they are within immediate reach in case of any urgent needs, enhancing safety and timely response.”

Staff at the Centre have welcomed the development with enthusiasm. Mustapha Sabi’u Talle, the desk officer in charge of the administrative activities for the doctors’ quarters, highlighted the persistent challenge of accommodation. “We have been battling with the non-availability of suitable accommodations. Once this building is completed, it will greatly ease the process of allocating rooms to our doctors,” he explained.

The new residential complex indicates the commitment of Zamfara State Government in strengthening healthcare delivery by supporting the welfare of critical medical personnel at the Federal Medical Centre, Gusau.