The Nigeria’s Federal Government has unveiled the country’s first non-surgical spinal decompression centre in Abuja, designed to enhance access to advanced healthcare services nationwide.

The unveiling event took place on Saturday in the country’s capital Abuja by Muhammad Pate, the Minister of Health, represented by Salaudeen Jimoh, the Director of Hospital Services at the ministry.

In his remarks, Mr Jimoh said, “We are here to represent the entire family of the Federal Ministry of Health. We are all interested in what is going on here as soon as we can commence operations. I also want to thank the entire management that is here.

“All the sectors of Nigeria that are here standing to represent this country are here just because they are all interested in seeing the kind of services that are coming out from here. So we thank the management, especially Slapinski, for considering Nigeria as a country that will do this kind of project.”

Jimoh added that the opening of the centre aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on Health.

“Fortunately, it comes at the right time. Certainly, because our president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on Health—this is one of the cardinal points. So it comes here at the right time when Nigeria will be able to appreciate and enjoy the services of this centre. So we thank the management. Together we will work as a team,” he said.

Doctor Craig Slapinski, the Clinical Director and co-founder of the Spine and Nerve Centre, acknowledged the high demand for the centre’s services and the need for more offices and clinics.

“Well, the main problem that I see happening is the volume of people that we’re having coming in. There’s a lot of people that are looking at the treatment,” he said. “It’s our expansion in getting enough staff and equipment and hiring another doctor to come to Abuja.”

Speaking further, particularly in terms of licensing and regulatory approvals, he said,

“We’re working closely with various ministers. The Minister of Health and the Minister of Petroleum have all been really instrumental in helping us—getting all of our licences, getting everything approved for what we’re doing. So that’s been what we’re working on,” he explained.

The centre provides non-surgical alternatives for patients suffering from chronic pain, offering an option beyond surgery and long-term medication use.

“We are just letting people know that there is an alternative to surgery, to chronic pain medication. And letting them know that there is hope elsewhere,” Slapinski added.

He also disclosed that prior to opening the Abuja centre, many Nigerians had been travelling to Ghana for treatment.

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“I have an office in Accra. And so I was getting lots and lots of Nigerians that were travelling to Accra for the treatment. And so we looked at Abuja as the next logical place to open up another location. In the next two years, we are opening up more locations.”

On licensing, Slapinski commended the Nigerian government.

“The help from the government has really been from licensing, registration. They have really been able to streamline that. And they have been very, very encouraging in the opening of this facility,” he narrated.

The opening ceremony also added value by having a public presentation at the NAF Centre Abuja where speakers shared their comments and observations such as:

Dr Victor Gbenro, Deputy Registrar of MDC, represented Fatima Khari, added and said,

“The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria has the mandate to regulate the industry since 1963. We were interested because this is one of the visions of the current administration in Nigeria, which we do through registering all practitioners. They told us what challenges they faced in other countries, but we did and promised them speedy registrations.

“We heard about digital health. We have a zero tolerance, and we shall work on sanitising the industry. We have been on a six-month training with WHO. Soon we shall have a committee meeting on our zero plans. All are advised to please key into our vision and mission. We are happy and glad with what Spine and Nerve brings to the table. We noted their partnership with FCTA. It looks like a dream, but now it is a reality and should be supported. As Nigerians, medical tourism should be reversed into using ours as we work on creating enabling environments. We are proud of you.”

Prof Andrew Haruna said,

“As a teacher, I will not like to offend anyone. My goodwill is about the idea of affordability. I started my career as a shoe shiner, until a lady invited me to her office, which I thought was to shine more but that changed my life. I was in Senegal as Vice Chancellor of Nigerian Universities. Our task is image-making and creating opportunities for partners to come together. Most people want to go to university, but it’s not about making money. We are happy to enrich the lives of people. We are in this Spine and Nerve initiative and happy I’m here. We are happy, and for the government to provide the enabling resources, we shall gain our brains and are here to support you. We shall help, and we will visit the centre and wish you all the best. God bless.”

Sardauna Gombe said,

“Alex mentioned over 500 million people have no access to medical facilities. What this highlighted is huge opportunities in Africa and particularly Nigeria, with more than 200 million people.

“The app they mentioned—if you know how many people have access to telecoms, we should appreciate that the opportunity is massive. The government should please take more on board in collaboration, PPP and others being able to gain more health access for all.

“This event and initiative is a drop in the ocean, and I believe it will be a major success in Nigeria. Congratulations, and I wish this health opportunity will be taken.”

The Royal Father of the Day made a remark,

“It was my pleasure to be invited for this event. I extend my gratitude and observed the financial cost going out of the country to receive these treatments, which now can be gained by Nigeria.

“Much appreciation to the Hon Minister Dr Pate. The support of the Minister will help in the vision. To the staff, I see you as agents of change, and Nigeria will help in reducing challenges and congratulated all those that have worked tirelessly.

“Our prayers go to everyone in Nigeria to the glory of God.”

Prof Carl remarked,

“Vice Chancellor Cosmopolitan University Abuja,

“You have pushed the boundaries of science. A fantastic work using technology to develop technologies in Africa.

“Young Africans will be excited about this. To Prof Martin and co, these messages are humbling. In education, such are ethical and things we like Nigerians and Africans to do and deliver global impacts. Looking forward to seeing how this grows.”

Ibrahim Sheleng said,

“We are glad. The effort of what people are doing brings this home and into the country.

“In terms of digital health, ours is climate change and using technology to mitigate challenges and use it towards our communities will be great. I hope we can use climate change, and thank you.”

Engr Dallaji and Sarsaunan Gombe 

Other dignitaries included the President of African Children Talent Discovery Foundation, Engr Noah Dallaji, MEF, Chairman of BEN Europe, among others.