The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has boosted the healthcare system of the nation’s capital with the deployment of 12 new ambulances to strengthen service delivery across public hospitals.
The initiative, is aimed at enhancing emergency medical services and underscoring the administration’s commitment to people-centred governance and improved health outcomes for residents.
Speaking at the event, the minister commended the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, and staff of the Secretariat for their dedication in bringing the project to fruition.
“Let me first of all congratulate the Mandate Secretary and staff of the Health and Environmental Secretariat for driving this to fruition. This is the support by the FCT to the emergency services as it relates to the health system,” Wike said.
Highlighting the administration’s broader approach to public service, Wike noted that investments in road infrastructure directly complement emergency healthcare delivery.
“So many people were asking why we focus on roads and education but if ambulances break down because the roads are bad, the emergency service becomes useless. First things first. We are already in the process of rehabilitating and furnishing 14 of our health centres,” he said.
The minister also reflected on the administration’s proactive measures to resolve outstanding obligations to health workers. While referring to allowances, hazard payments and wage awards that had been pending since 2021, the minister stated that, “Reminder: nobody went on strike even though there were debts owed. Thank God, we were able to pay off all these debts. Every sector is being looked into,” he added,
The minister, who warned against sabotage and politicisation of administrative processes, noted that, “Problems will always come up. What is important is that you stay focused and do the best you can. When you leave office, another person will continue from where you stopped,”.
Wike also highlighted the strategic linkage between infrastructure and health outcomes, citing improved road networks in areas such as Abaji, Kwali and Gwagwalada, which have cut travel time for emergency response from over an hour to just 30 minutes.
Earlier, the Mandate Secretary, Health and Environmental Services Secretariat, Dr Fasawe, speaking on behalf of the health sector, expressed appreciation for the support, describing the interventions as transformative.
“This administration has demonstrated a clear understanding that health systems are not just buildings, but also immunisation, insurance, and human resources. The payment of allowances, upgrading of the School of Nursing to a full College, and now the provision of ambulances all reflect a deliberate effort to deliver accessible, high-quality healthcare to the people of the FCT,” she said.
The commissioning of the 12 ambulances marks a significant milestone in strengthening emergency response capabilities in the Federal Capital Territory, signalling a renewed focus on responsive and efficient healthcare delivery for all.