The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has reinforced emergency healthcare delivery in Abuja with the deployment of 12 newly acquired ambulances to public hospitals across the territory.
The move is part of broader efforts by the FCT Administration to improve emergency medical response, enhance public health services and prioritise people-focused governance.
Speaking during the presentation of the ambulances, Wike praised the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment, alongside staff of the Secretariat, for their commitment to strengthening the health system.
“I want to commend the Mandate Secretary and the entire Health and Environmental Secretariat for ensuring this project was delivered. This intervention represents the FCT Administration’s direct support for emergency health services,” the minister said.
Wike explained that the administration’s emphasis on road construction and rehabilitation was deliberately aligned with healthcare delivery, noting that poor road networks undermine emergency response efforts.
“Some people question our focus on roads and education, but if ambulances cannot function because of bad roads, emergency services become ineffective. That is why we prioritised infrastructure. At the same time, we are rehabilitating and equipping 14 health centres across the FCT,” he stated.
The minister also addressed long-standing welfare issues affecting health workers, revealing that outstanding allowances, hazard payments and wage awards owed since 2021 had been cleared under the current administration.
“Despite the debts inherited, no strike action was taken. Thankfully, all outstanding payments have now been settled. Every sector is receiving attention,” Wike added.
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He cautioned against attempts to politicise administrative challenges, stressing the importance of focus and continuity in governance. “Challenges are inevitable. What matters is staying committed and doing your best. Governance is a continuum; others will build on what you leave behind,” he said.
Wike further highlighted how improved road infrastructure in communities such as Abaji, Kwali and Gwagwalada has significantly reduced emergency response times, cutting travel durations from over an hour to approximately 30 minutes.
Earlier, the Mandate Secretary, Dr Fasawe, expressed gratitude for the administration’s sustained support, describing the interventions as transformative for healthcare delivery in the FCT.
“This administration recognises that a functional health system goes beyond buildings. It includes immunisation, health insurance and skilled personnel. The settlement of allowances, the upgrade of the School of Nursing to a College, and now the provision of ambulances all demonstrate a clear commitment to accessible and quality healthcare,” she said.
The introduction of the 12 ambulances represents a major step towards strengthening emergency medical services in the Federal Capital Territory.
