A leaked document obtained by NAIJABLOGDAILY has uncovered a controversial move by President Bola Tinubu to transfer the management of the State House Medical Centre in Abuja to private facility managers. Surprisingly, the letter initiating the process was issued on the Ministry of Education’s letterhead and signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
The confidential letter, addressed to Temitope Peter Fashedemi, Permanent Secretary to the State House, is dated March 25, 2025. It announces the creation of a Technical Working Group (TWG) to oversee the handover of the prestigious medical facility to private management, following Tinubu’s presidential approval.
Notably titled ‘Presidential Approval for the Engagement of a Private Facility Manager for the State House Medical Centre’, the letter requested a representative from the Ministry of Health to join the TWG, ensuring coordination with the State House administration. The group’s inauguration is set for April 29, 2025, at the Federal Ministry of Education.
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Dr. Alausa stated, “Further to the assignment given to me by Mr. Excellency to assess and determine the optimal operational model for the State House Medical Centre, I am pleased to convey His Excellency’s approval to commence the contracting process for engaging a private facility manager.”
This development has sparked outrage among civil society groups. A petition filed by Concerned Nigerians, dated April 14, 2025, slammed the move as a national security risk. Gbenga Adewale, representing the group, warned that allowing private operators within the high-security Presidential Villa could compromise sensitive presidential health data and expose classified government secrets.
The petition stressed that the State House Medical Centre is no ordinary hospital — it borders Aso Rock, shares proximity with the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), and is integral to Nigeria’s national security architecture. Concerned Nigerians described the move as a “policy and security disaster” that could erode federal sovereignty.
Billions of naira have been invested in the State House Clinic over the years, including the development of 30 hectares of land, construction by Julius Berger, installation of CT scanners, MRI machines, eight operating theatres, and a ₦3.9 billion solar farm. Petitioners argue that these government-funded assets should remain under public management and not be handed to private interests.
Another key concern is the fate of civil servants working at the clinic. Staff members, who have undergone rigorous DSS security clearance, risk being displaced by non-security-vetted private personnel, further compromising national security.
Adding to the controversy is the alleged relationship between Dr. Tunji Alausa and President Bola Tinubu, with accusations of nepotism and conflict of interest.
Concerned Nigerians also warned that if privatisation at the State House Clinic succeeds, similar moves could target other critical institutions such as the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Hospital and the Defence Intelligence Agency Hospital, putting national security in jeopardy.
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The petition calls for an immediate halt to the privatisation process, a full investigation into the matter, and protection of civil servants’ rights at the SHMC.
Meanwhile, NAIJABLOGDAILY review of the 2025 budget revealed that ₦1.127 billion was allocated to the State House Medical Centre, with ₦494 million for capital expenditure and ₦632 million for overhead costs. It remains unclear if these budgeted funds will be transferred to the proposed private managers once the handover is complete.
As the controversy deepens, many Nigerians are demanding accountability and transparency in the management of the nation’s most sensitive healthcare facility.
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