RCCG Brings Robotic Surgery to Nigeria

For decades, Nigerians seeking highly specialised medical procedures have often had to travel abroad for treatment. But a new development at the Redeemer’s Health Village (RHV) in Lagos could signal a shift in that pattern.

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), through Redeemer’s Health Village, has introduced robotic-assisted surgery as part of an effort to expand access to advanced medical care in Nigeria.

The initiative was officially unveiled on August 22, 2026, in Lagos, in partnership with RoboMed Global Inc., a United States-based medical technology and capacity-building company.

As part of the initiative, Redeemer’s Health Village has acquired two robotic surgical systems. While one is intended for clinical procedures, the second will be used mainly for training Nigerian doctors and other healthcare professionals.

The hospital is also establishing a Robotic Academy, with training expected to commence in October. The aim is to develop local expertise so that Nigerian medical professionals can acquire the skills needed to work with robotic surgical technology.

The robotic surgery programme is expected to support procedures in a number of medical specialties, including urology, general surgery, gynaecology, colorectal surgery, thoracic surgery and hepatobiliary surgery.

Despite the futuristic image associated with robotic surgery, the technology does not mean that robots will independently operate on patients. Instead, trained surgeons control the robotic system, which assists them in carrying out precise and delicate movements during surgery.

The RCCG General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, represented at the launch, described the initiative as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery, train Nigerian surgeons, promote research and reduce the need for Nigerians to travel abroad for advanced medical treatment.

The Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Salako, also welcomed the development, describing it as an important advancement in Nigeria's healthcare sector.

However, experts at the launch noted that acquiring sophisticated equipment is only one part of successfully introducing robotic surgery into the country's healthcare system.

Former Minister of Health, Senator Adeleke Mamora, emphasised the importance of having properly trained personnel, reliable infrastructure, maintenance systems, clinical governance and sustainable financing to ensure that the technology remains useful in the long term.

RoboMed Global Inc. co-founder, Prof. Obi Davies-Ekwenna, said the partnership was designed not only to introduce advanced surgical technology but also to develop the expertise required to operate and sustain it within Africa.

The partners are also exploring the possibility of conducting robotic procedures remotely, including a proposed connection between Lagos and Abuja.

The cost of treatment is another consideration. According to the Chief Executive Officer of Redeemer’s Health Village, Dr Adedamola Dada, some procedures could potentially cost about five per cent of what patients might pay for comparable treatment in the United States or Europe. However, the figure is an estimate and does not represent a fixed cost for every robotic procedure.

With its two robotic systems and plans for a dedicated Robotic Academy, Redeemer’s Health Village is seeking to combine advanced medical treatment with professional training.

The success of the initiative will ultimately depend not only on the technology itself but also on the ability to train and retain skilled professionals, maintain the equipment and make the procedures accessible to patients.

For Nigeria, the development represents another step towards bringing sophisticated medical technology closer to home and potentially reducing the need for some patients to seek specialised surgical care outside the country.