By Ojoma Akor
Nigeria has achieved a significant milestone in healthcare with the launch of its first robotic surgery platform at the Nisa Premier Hospital in Abuja.
The platform, named ‘Toumai’, meaning ‘Hope of Life’, is the first of its kind to be deployed in Nigeria and the entire West African sub-region.
This initiative is the result of a partnership between Nisa Medical Group and Robomed Global, based in the United States.
Corporate Communications Officer of Robomed Global USA, Mr. Martins Ioha, in a statement on Friday, described the development as the dawn of a new era of surgical precision, patient safety, and clinical excellence across specialties such as urology, gynaecology, and surgical oncology.
The partnership is designed to build regional surgical capacity by offering structured training for Nigerian and African surgeons in minimally invasive robotic procedures.
The areas of collaboration will include robotic-assisted surgeries, training and certification for medical personnel, and systems integration to enhance safety in operating theatres.
The Chief Executive Officer of Robomed, Doctor Obi Ekwenna, said the milestone represents real progress for Nigeria’s health sector, strengthening local capacity and preparing African surgeons to deliver world-class care.
Also, the Chief Medical Officer of Robomed, Doctor Iyore James, explained that the mission goes beyond introducing technology; it also trains Nigerian and African surgeons, nurses, and biomedical engineers to world-class standards.
On his part, the Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Efosa Eluma, said the organisation is committed to operational excellence and building a sustainable pathway for robotic surgery across West Africa.
A renowned fertility expert at the Nisa Medical Group, Dr. Ibrahim Wada, said that the partnership will strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional hub for advanced surgery, create high-skilled jobs, and reduce the need for medical tourism.
