Juliet Jacob 
ABUJA, Nigeria – A civic technology platform, MonITNG, raises alarm over the deteriorating condition of the Mathew Udo Ekpo Memorial Health Centre in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, warning that the facility now poses a serious public health risk.
In a statement issued on Saturday, MonITNG says the centre—described as the only public healthcare facility serving thousands across several communities—has suffered prolonged neglect, leaving it unsafe for patients and health workers.
“What should be a place of healing has effectively become a public hazard,” the platform states, adding that the condition of the facility reflects years of abandonment.
According to MonITNG, residents have repeatedly complained about the absence of basic infrastructure, medical equipment and essential services at the centre, despite its critical role in providing primary healthcare to rural populations.
The group says the situation contradicts official claims of increased investment in the health sector. “Despite repeated government assurances of improved healthcare funding, facilities like the Mathew Udo Ekpo Memorial Health Centre tell a very different story on the ground,” MonITNG says.
It adds that the experience of Etim Ekpo mirrors challenges faced by many rural communities, where gaps persist between policy pronouncements and service delivery.
MonITNG calls on the Akwa Ibom State Government and relevant health authorities to urgently rehabilitate the facility, deploy qualified personnel and restore essential services.
The platform stresses that access to safe and functional primary healthcare remains fundamental to disease prevention, maternal care and community wellbeing.
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Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Mirian Gom 
Hussaini Ibrahim