• 500 emergency ambulances currently operational
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
The federal government has charged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure improvement in network connectivity at the Medical Emergency Call Centres.
On Emergency Medical infrastructure deployment, the government said that Nigeria currently operates about 500 functional emergency medical ambulances, which is far short of the estimated 4,000 needed to adequately serve the population
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare gave the charge through Nigerian Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) at a Two-Day Media Cell Capacity Building Workshop in Abuja on Monday and Tuesday.
Speaking at the Workshop organised by NEMSAS in collaboration with the Solina Center for International Development and Research (SCIDaR), the National Coordinator of NEMSAS, Dr. Doubra Emuren, said that poor telecommunications connectivity is significantly hampering emergency response operations across Nigeria,
“Unreliable network coverage continues to disrupt emergency call systems and coordination nationwide and this has slowed down public patronage of the emergency ambulance service,” he said.
The two-day training, themed “Strengthening Communications for Emergency Medical Services in Nigeria,” is aimed at improving media engagement and deepening public understanding of emergency medical systems.
Emuren explained that inconsistent telecommunications infrastructure remains a critical barrier, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach areas, where emergency interventions are often delayed due to poor connectivity.
He noted that although the National Emergency Number 112, coordinated by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), was introduced to streamline emergency calls, its functionality is still inconsistent in several parts of the country.
According to him, weak integration between telecommunications systems and emergency response frameworks has led to delays in accessing life-saving services.
“Connectivity is critical to emergency response. When networks fail, response time is affected, and lives are put at risk,” he said.
While acknowledging support from some telecommunications providers, especially MTN, Emuren called for stronger regulatory enforcement and expanded infrastructure to guarantee seamless nationwide coverage.
He also spoke of severe manpower deficit, adding that Nigeria currently has fewer than 1,000 paramedics—far below the number required to meet national demand.
The Programme Manager stressed the urgent need to scale up the training of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to provide basic life support and strengthen pre-hospital care.
“Paramedics handle advanced life support, but what Nigeria urgently needs is a larger workforce trained in basic life support.
“In the short to medium term, expanding EMT training through accredited institutions can help bridge the manpower gap and improve response coverage,” he said.
Emuren added that EMTs can be deployed in ambulances and trained in essential emergency care, including patient stabilisation and transport.
On infrastructure, he disclosed that Nigeria currently operates about 500 functional ambulances, which is far short of the estimated 4,000 needed to adequately serve the population.
He called for increased private sector participation to complement government efforts in expanding ambulance services and improving coverage.
He also advocated the integration of air ambulances into the emergency response framework, particularly for rapid interventions in traffic-congested cities and hard-to-reach rural areas.
According to him, an effective emergency system requires a coordinated approach involving road, air and community-based interventions, including the use of motorcycles in difficult terrains.
Emuren further identified poor road access, insecurity and the absence of a functional traffic management system as additional factors complicating emergency operations.
He called for the development of a national traffic management framework that prioritises ambulance movement during emergencies.
Addressing policy gaps, he emphasized will need for a “Good Samaritan Law” to protect individuals who offer first aid in emergency situations from legal liability, noting that such protection would encourage timely assistance from bystanders.
Despite the challenges, Emuren said NEMSAS has recorded notable interventions, including the transportation of about 47,000 pregnant women and newborns across 132 local government areas under the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII).
He explained the programme supports safe delivery by transporting pregnant women to designated health facilities and providing “Mama Kits” to aid childbirth, while ensuring timely referrals.
According to him, NEMSAS also responds to a wide range of emergencies, including snake bites, gunshot injuries, building collapses, and incidents involving pregnant women and children under five.
He added that road traffic accident victims and cases arising from communal clashes are also covered at no cost.
“We have been able to set up structures across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory to support emergency response,” he said.
Also speaking, Dr. Lawal Bakare of the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) Coordination Office at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s health system.
Bakare said the SWAp framework is designed to improve coordination between federal and state health systems while ensuring equitable distribution of resources.
He noted the approach aligns with the National Health Act of 2014 and is supported by the Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, which focuses on improving access, quality and financial protection through expanded health insurance.
He emphasised the role of data-driven planning, governance and public awareness in achieving sustainable health outcomes.
“Accurate and strategic communication is essential to building public trust and ensuring that citizens understand and utilise available health services,” he said.
In her remarks, the Executive Director of the Initiative for Sustainable Media Policy and Health (ISMPH), Mrs. Moji Makanjuola, underscored the critical role of the media in strengthening emergency response systems.
She described journalists as a bridge between policymakers and the public, capable of translating complex health policies into actionable information.
According to her, improved reporting can enhance public awareness, promote responsible health-seeking behaviour and drive accountability in emergency services.
“This training is designed to equip journalists with the knowledge and tools to report accurately, counter misinformation and amplify life-saving interventions across Nigeria,” she said.
Stakeholders at the workshop called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, private sector actors and the media to address systemic challenges in emergency medical services.
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