By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
A multi-million naira 50-bed hospital facilitated under the constituency project of Senator Ireti Kingibe has reportedly been abandoned, leaving thousands of residents in Dobi Ward, Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), without access to basic healthcare.
The facility, launched with fanfare, now lies in disrepair, its structure deteriorating, ceilings collapsing, and expensive medical equipment gathering dust.
Intended as a vital healthcare hub, it has instead become, for many residents, a symbol of neglect and alleged mismanagement.
Usman Mohammed, a community youth leader, on Wednesday accused those behind the project of corruption and conflict of interest. He alleged that the contractor, identified only as “Mr. Chris,” is a close aide of Senator Kingibe.
“Our people are dying without healthcare while this facility wastes away. This is not just mismanagement, it is corruption,” he said.
Frustrated residents have called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and other anti-graft agencies to investigate.
Responding, Senator Kingibe’s Head of Constituency Office, Emmanuel John, denied the allegations, attributing the delay to “administrative issues” rather than corruption or poor execution.
He said the building has been completed but commissioning was held back by challenges with staffing, running costs, and handover procedures.
“The contractor will return shortly to tidy up the facility, and it will soon be ready for commissioning,” John assured.
He stressed that lawmakers only facilitate projects, while execution and management rest with government agencies such as the FCT Hospital Management Board.
He also dismissed claims that the contract was awarded to a member of the Senator’s staff.
“Senator Kingibe does not award contracts to aides. The claim involving a Mr. Chris is false,” he said.
While acknowledging broader gaps in healthcare delivery in Gwagwalada and neighboring areas, John maintained that Senator Kingibe remains committed to improving health infrastructure across the FCT.
