A functioning health system is measured not only by its hospitals, but by how quickly it can move care to those in crisis. In the Federal Capital Territory, renewed investment in modern ambulances signals a push to strengthen emergency response, reduce preventable deaths, and make timely, lifesaving intervention more accessible, reports Gbenga Omokhunu
Emergency medical transport is a cornerstone of any functional health system. For patients suffering trauma, cardiac arrest, stroke, obstetric emergencies, or other life-threatening conditions, survival often depends not only on hospital care but on what happens in the crucial minutes before arrival. Around the world, well-equipped ambulances staffed by trained paramedics serve as mobile treatment units, delivering stabilising interventions that can mean the difference between life and death.
In Nigeria, however, emergency medical transportation remains a major public health gap. Many hospitals, particularly in rural and semi-urban communities, either lack ambulances or rely on outdated vehicles without essential life-support equipment. In such settings, critically ill patients are frequently transported in private cars, commercial vehicles, or poorly equipped vans, leading to dangerous delays and inadequate pre-hospital care. These gaps contribute to avoidable complications and, in some cases, preventable deaths.
In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), efforts are underway to strengthen this weak link in the healthcare chain. Since assuming office, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has prioritised improvements in emergency response capacity, including the deployment of fully equipped ambulances to public health facilities. The most recent step is the provision of 12 state-of-the-art ambulances to FCT hospitals.
These ambulances are designed not merely for transport but for treatment during transit. Equipped with advanced life support (ALS) systems, they are intended to function as mobile emergency rooms. Trained paramedics on board are expected to provide critical interventions such as airway management, oxygen therapy, intravenous fluid administration, cardiac monitoring, and basic trauma care. By stabilising patients en route, the system aims to improve survival rates and reduce the risk of long-term disability following severe medical events.
The initiative builds on earlier efforts to strengthen emergency services nationwide. In 2022, the Federal Government, in partnership with the private sector, launched the pilot phase of the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) in the FCT. That programme was designed to create a coordinated framework for emergency response, linking ambulances, call centres, and designated hospitals.
Despite these efforts, comprehensive real-time data on deaths linked specifically to delayed ambulance access in the FCT remain unavailable. Nonetheless, available evidence suggests the burden is significant. Road traffic crashes alone account for hundreds of fatalities annually in the territory, and delayed emergency response has been identified as a contributing factor in many cases. Some analyses indicate that a measurable proportion of emergency cases result in death, underscoring the urgent need for faster and more effective pre-hospital care.
Infrastructure challenges further complicate emergency response. Reports from area councils such as Kuje have highlighted how poor road conditions and under-resourced primary health centres can delay or limit access to urgent care. Such systemic barriers reduce the effectiveness of even well-equipped ambulances if vehicles cannot reach patients quickly or transport them safely.
Officials say the newly commissioned ambulances — the first major addition to the fleet in nearly a decade — are expected to help cut emergency response times significantly. However, equipment alone is not enough. Past experience shows that staffing shortages, maintenance issues, and weak coordination can undermine emergency services. Recognising this, the FCT Administration has indicated plans to recruit additional health personnel and rehabilitate several health centres across the territory.
Presenting the ambulances, Wike reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening the health sector alongside broader infrastructure development. He argued that investments in road networks are directly linked to effective emergency response, noting that ambulances cannot function optimally on impassable roads. According to him, improvements in transport infrastructure are a prerequisite for saving lives during medical emergencies.
While resource constraints remain, the expansion of the ambulance fleet represents a significant step toward a more responsive emergency care system in the FCT. If supported by adequate staffing, maintenance, coordination, and infrastructure, the initiative could help reduce preventable deaths and build public confidence in the territory’s health services.
On her part, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, praised the FCT Minister’s people-centred governance and expressed appreciation for his sustained support to the health sector. She described the presentation of ambulances to FCT hospitals as a clear demonstration of the FCTA’s commitment to emergency preparedness and improved health outcomes for residents of the Territory. Dr Fasawe further noted that ongoing road improvements in Abaji, Kwali, and Gwagwalada have significantly reduced emergency response times.
She also disclosed that the FCT remains the only state or territory in the country to have fully paid all medical allowances, including the Medical Residency Training Fund and hazard allowances, up to date. Highlighting additional reforms, she said: “When we reflect on these interventions collectively, they reveal a deliberate and coordinated effort to deliver accessible, high-quality and responsible healthcare for the people of the FCT. On behalf of the health sector, we sincerely appreciate the Minister for this commitment and support.”
The World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative, Dr Kumshida Yakubu, who attended the event, commended the FCTA’s efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness and pledged the organisation’s continued support toward achieving the FCT’s health goals.
Meanwhile, doctors under the Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory (ARD-FCTA), last week praised the Minister for approving the payment of 13 months’ hazard allowance arrears and one month wage award. In a letter of appreciation dated January 15, 2026, the association described the gesture as a strong demonstration of commitment to the welfare of healthcare workers. The letter, signed by ARD-FCTA President, Dr George Ebong, and General Secretary, Dr Yusuf Israel Lissa, read in part: “We write to formally express our profound appreciation to the Honourable Minister, His Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, for your exemplary leadership and commitment to the welfare of healthcare workers, as demonstrated by the payment of the longstanding 13 months’ hazard allowance arrears as well as the payment of one month wage award.”
According to the association, the intervention came at a critical time and reflected recognition of the sacrifices made by doctors and other health workers. “This timely intervention underscores your dedication to equity, fairness, and the recognition of the sacrifices made by doctors and other health workers in the course of service in the FCTA,” the letter added. The resident doctors also pledged continued cooperation with the FCT Administration to strengthen healthcare delivery, stating: “Our association remains committed to constructive engagement and collaboration in advancing the FCT health sector and ensuring the continued delivery of quality healthcare services to the populace.”
The letter further acknowledged other senior FCT officials for their roles in facilitating the payments, including the Minister of State for FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud; Acting Head of Service, Mrs Nancy Sabanti Nathan; Chairman, FCT Civil Service Commission, Engr Emeka Ezeh; and several permanent secretaries and health administrators. Wike has repeatedly reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to quality healthcare delivery for residents of the Territory.
Last year, he stated that beyond improving over 360 primary healthcare centres and other facilities with the necessary infrastructure and personnel, the goal remains to ensure healthcare is affordable and accessible. He gave the assurance during a free medical outreach in Kuje Area Council, where more than 4,000 residents received services including eye screening and glasses, antenatal care, sickle cell screening, HIV testing and counselling, dental care, general medical check-ups, blood tests, and minor surgeries.
Wike explained that the Renewed Hope Medical Outreach reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s health security. He noted that the President charged the FCT Administration with addressing residents’ health needs, stressing that a healthy population is essential to achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda. He said health goes beyond the absence of disease and includes overall physical, social, and mental well-being, especially for women and children. He emphasised that reducing maternal mortality remains a key priority, noting that many complications arise because patients present late at health facilities.
He emphasized that President Tinubu tasked him with addressing the health needs of residents, as a healthy population is essential to driving the Renewed Hope Agenda and reaping the benefits of democracy. He said: “We always say health is wealth and the difference between this medical outreach and all other outreaches is that we say health is not only the absence of disease; health is the total well-being of a person, of a society, especially the women and children.
“We are looking at the social determinants of health, physical determinants of health, and total well-being overall, including your mental health. How did this come about? The President, Bola Tinubu, through the FCT Minister, gave us a mandate that health care must be accessible, affordable, available, and within reach of every citizen of the country. We in the FCT have taken that mandate very seriously. People say Wike is working.
“Wike is not only working on projects; he is also working on the systems. Our mandate really is to reduce the number of women who die due to pregnancy or childbirth complications. This is called maternal mortality. The number we have is quite alarming right now and we decided to check what is causing this. We have the hospitals, we have the nurses, we have the doctors, we have skilled birth attendants. Why do people come to us at the latest stage of complications and die? Hence the essence of this programme.”
Residents who spoke with Abuja Review expressed optimism that the ongoing investments in the health sector demonstrate the Federal Government’s resolve to ensure that the promise of renewed hope extends beyond infrastructure to the quality of services delivered to the people. Many, however, urged the FCT Administration to sustain the momentum by providing more ambulances and additional medical equipment to further strengthen service delivery across FCT hospitals.
