President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned 79 locally-assembled advanced ambulances for distribution to tertiary hospitals across Nigeria as part of efforts to strengthen emergency healthcare delivery and reduce avoidable deaths.
The ambulances were commissioned on Tuesday in Lagos by the Chief Medical Director of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Professor Wasiu Lanre Adeyemo, on behalf of the President.
The vehicles will be deployed to federal tertiary health institutions under the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System, NEMSAS.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Adeyemo said the initiative was part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration and reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to building a responsive emergency healthcare system under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the ambulances will enhance the speed and quality of emergency medical response across the country.
“These ambulances will improve the movement of patients from homes, schools, markets, highways and other locations to hospitals where they can receive timely medical attention. This will significantly reduce avoidable deaths and complications arising from delayed access to care,” he said.
Adeyemo described the ambulances as Advanced Life Support units equipped with modern medical and communication systems capable of alerting hospitals before patients arrive for treatment.
He noted that the vehicles were fully assembled in Nigeria, including the installation of emergency medical equipment.
“These ambulances are a testament to Nigeria’s ability to produce world-class emergency response vehicles locally. Beyond improving emergency healthcare delivery, this initiative will stimulate local manufacturing, create employment opportunities and strengthen confidence in indigenous capacity,” he stated.
The LUTH CMD further disclosed that the ambulances operate on dual-fuel systems powered by both Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, and Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, in line with the Federal Government’s energy diversification policy.
He said the project aligns with ongoing health sector reforms being driven by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, particularly efforts aimed at strengthening emergency care services and expanding access to quality healthcare.
According to him, improving emergency transportation is critical to reducing mortality rates nationwide.
“Healthcare facilities must be accessible when emergencies occur. Efficient emergency transportation is essential to saving lives,” Adeyemo added.
He also urged state governments, local councils and private organisations to take advantage of Nigeria’s growing local manufacturing capacity in addressing future emergency medical transportation needs.
The Federal Government said the nationwide distribution of the ambulances would strengthen referral systems, improve access to lifesaving healthcare services and support ongoing reforms aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality across the country.
