President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched 79 locally-assembled advanced ambulances for deployment to federal tertiary hospitals across the country as part of efforts to strengthen emergency healthcare services and reduce preventable deaths.
The ambulances, commissioned on Tuesday in Lagos, will be distributed to tertiary health institutions under the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS). The initiative forms part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration and is aimed at enhancing emergency response and healthcare delivery nationwide.
Representing the President at the commissioning ceremony, the Chief Medical Director of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Professor Wasiu Lanre Adeyemo, described the initiative as a major step towards building a more responsive and integrated emergency healthcare system under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the deployment of the ambulances will improve access to emergency medical services by ensuring faster transportation of patients from homes, schools, markets, highways and other locations to healthcare facilities where they can receive prompt treatment.
He noted that delayed access to medical care remains a major contributor to preventable deaths and complications, adding that the new ambulances would significantly improve response times during emergencies.
Professor Adeyemo explained that the vehicles are Advanced Life Support ambulances equipped with modern medical technologies and communication systems capable of alerting hospitals before patients arrive, allowing healthcare workers to prepare for immediate treatment.
He further revealed that the ambulances were fully assembled in Nigeria, including the installation of emergency medical equipment, highlighting the country’s growing capacity in local manufacturing and healthcare technology.
The LUTH chief said the project demonstrates Nigeria’s ability to produce high-quality emergency response vehicles locally while also creating jobs, supporting local industries and boosting confidence in indigenous manufacturing capabilities.
He added that the ambulances are fitted with dual-fuel systems that operate on both Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), in line with the Federal Government’s drive towards energy diversification and sustainability.
Adeyemo stated that the initiative complements ongoing healthcare reforms being implemented 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 across the country.
He stressed that improving emergency transportation is just as important as upgrading healthcare infrastructure in reducing mortality rates and ensuring that patients receive timely medical attention during critical situations.
The LUTH CMD also called on state governments, local government councils and private organisations to take advantage of Nigeria’s expanding local production capacity when addressing future emergency medical transportation needs.
The Federal Government expressed confidence that the nationwide deployment of the ambulances would strengthen referral networks, improve access to life-saving medical care and support ongoing reforms targeted at reducing illness-related complications and deaths across the country.
FG Unveils 79 Locally-Assembled Advanced Ambulances to Boost Emergency Healthcare Nationwide
