The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has commissioned 12 fully equipped ambulances for deployment in hospitals across Abuja to improve emergency medical services and healthcare delivery in the capital.
The initiative forms part of broader reforms in the FCT health sector aimed at upgrading facilities, expanding access to care, and enhancing overall service delivery.
The commissioning took place on Thursday at the headquarters of the FCT Health and Environmental Secretariat in Abuja, where the ambulances were formally handed over to hospital officials.
Speaking at the event, Wike explained that the vehicles, fitted with modern medical equipment and technology, would be distributed across hospitals in the territory to strengthen emergency response and patient care.
He noted that the FCT Administration’s investments in road infrastructure, education, and healthcare are interconnected, stressing that efficient emergency services depend heavily on good road networks.
“So many people were saying, ‘Why are we concentrating on road infrastructure? Why are we focusing on education?’ But people forget that these ambulances may break down when there are no good roads. When patients call during emergencies and the roads are not in good condition, then the whole essence of the emergency vehicles becomes useless.
“So first things first, and that’s what we have been able to do,” he said.
The minister added that the FCT Administration is rehabilitating and furnishing 14 health centres across the territory. He also disclosed that the Head of Civil Service and relevant authorities had been directed to recruit additional personnel to strengthen the health sector.
Wike further commended the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, and staff of the Health and Environmental Secretariat for their dedication in bringing the project to fruition.
Earlier, Fasawe described the procurement and distribution of the ambulances as a major step toward improving emergency healthcare in the FCT. She said the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to people-centred governance, emergency preparedness, and better health outcomes for residents.
According to her, ongoing road projects across the FCT have significantly improved access to healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas.
“Under the focused leadership of the FCT Minister, we have witnessed strategic investment in road infrastructure across the city. This has directly impacted healthcare. For example, in areas like Abaji, Kwali, and Gwagwalada, the A2 to Pai road construction has reduced travel time from about one and a half hours to roughly 30 minutes,” she stated.
Fasawe also noted that the FCT Administration has prioritised the welfare of healthcare workers, including the payment of outstanding allowances dating back to 2021.
“It is heartwarming that this administration has paid allowances that have been due since 2021. I wish to particularly refer to the 13-month hazard allowance for healthcare workers, the wage award, and the medical residency training fund.
“I can confidently say that the FCT is the only administration that has paid all these allowances up to date.
“There have also been other interventions, including the upgrade of the FCT School of Nursing to a full-fledged College of Nursing.
“All these interventions show a deliberate and coordinated effort to deliver accessible, high-quality, and responsible healthcare for the people of the FCT,” she added.
