The Nigerian government has commended the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) for renovating and equipping the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Special Care Baby Unit at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, Delta State.
The commendation came from the Minister of State for Health and Social Services, Dr Iziaq Salako, who was represented by Dr Jimoh Salaudeen, Director of Hospital Services at the ministry, during the official inauguration of the facility on Thursday.
Salako described the project as a significant milestone in the nation’s quest to enhance healthcare delivery, particularly in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The NLNG’s donation of a state-of-the-art neonatal intensive care unit is a major step towards reducing infant mortality and improving child healthcare,” he said.
“This type of investment yields immense returns – more than 100 percent – and it directly benefits the population, especially our future generation.”
Salako called on other corporate organisations and development partners to emulate the NLNG by contributing meaningfully to the healthcare sector.
“NLNG has demonstrated what corporate social responsibility should look like,” he said.
“Others must follow suit if we are to build resilient and inclusive healthcare infrastructure across Nigeria.”
NLNG: Investing in the Future of Healthcare
The Managing Director of NLNG, Dr Philip Mshelbila, represented by Dr Sophia Horsfall, General Manager of External Relations, noted that the project was part of the company’s hospital support and sustainable development programme, initiated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The renovation of the neonatal facility at FMC, Asaba, is part of NLNG’s wider vision to strengthen healthcare delivery in Nigeria. It aligns with our commitment to impact lives beyond our core operations,” Mshelbila stated.
He added that nine hospitals across Nigeria had already benefitted from similar upgrades under the programme, including facilities in Yenagoa, Uyo, Abuja, and Kano, featuring enhanced obstetrics, NICUs, and occupational therapy units.
“Today, FMC Asaba joins that list. The newly upgraded facility includes recovery rooms, nurses’ stations, waiting lounges, automated doors, and more – all aimed at ensuring faster response times and safer care for our most vulnerable patients,” he said.
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A Boost for Medical Training and Services
Dr Idele Alile, Chairman of the Board at FMC Asaba, praised the NLNG for its investment, describing it as timely and impactful.
The Chief Medical Director, Dr Victor Osiatuma, also expressed his appreciation, stating that the upgrades had placed the hospital in a position to train medical professionals as a teaching hospital.
“The facility includes oxygen piping systems to each incubator, an integrated 60 KVA inverter for uninterrupted power, cameras for baby monitoring, and an in-built X-ray unit – all ensuring effective and sustainable care,” he said.
Dr Osiatuma confirmed that the selection process by NLNG for beneficiary hospitals was transparent and merit-based.
Facility Tour and Unveiling
After the formal commissioning, officials from the Federal Ministry of Health, NLNG, and other stakeholders embarked on a guided tour of the renovated wards. The Minister of State officially unveiled the facility, marking its readiness for public use.
NAN