By Doris Obinna and Braide Damiete
Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has taken a significant step in advancing healthcare delivery in Nigeria with the unveiling of a newly constructed Neonatal Ward and a fully renovated Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Asaba, Delta State.
This development is part of NLNG’s ongoing Hospital Support Programme (HSP), aimed at transforming medical infrastructure across the country.
NLNG’s Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, revealed that the upgraded facility now features world-class amenities designed to improve emergency care and medical outcomes for Nigeria’s most vulnerable patients newborns and critically ill individuals.
The new installations, the company disclosed, include specialized neonatal and ICU suites, recovery and preparation rooms, automated doors, a dedicated nurses’ station, and a family lounge, all tailored to support efficient healthcare delivery.
NLNG Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Philip Mshelbila, represented by the General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, reaffirmed NLNG’s commitment to sustainable nation-building. He highlighted that the company’s efforts were aligned with its vision of being “a globally competitive energy company improving lives sustainably.”
According to Mshelbila, the HSP is a practical manifestation of this vision, focusing not only on infrastructure but also on investing in people through health, education, and capacity-building initiatives. “This facility is more than a building it is a promise kept, a reflection of our enduring commitment to improving healthcare in Nigeria. A step inside these wards at FMC Asaba is a step into a future where lives are saved through precision, preparedness, and partnership.”
He also underscored the urgency of reducing maternal and child mortality in Nigeria, which currently accounts for 20 per cent of global figures, declaring that NLNG remains committed to helping reverse that trend.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Salako, represented by the Ministry’s Director of Hospital Services, Dr Jimoh Salaudeen, praised NLNG for its vital role in health sector development. He encouraged other private sector entities to follow the company’s example, describing the new facility as a milestone in the Federal Government’s “renewed hope” agenda for quality healthcare delivery.
A member, NLNG’s Board of Directors, Henry Obih, highlighted the broader implications of the project, noting that the facility would bring immense benefits to families, newborns, sick infants, and healthcare professionals alike. He emphasised that this intervention was a testament to NLNG’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of Nigerians.
On his part, Chief Medical Director, FMC Asaba, Dr Victor Osiatuma, expressed gratitude to NLNG, applauding the company for adopting a transparent selection process in choosing FMC Asaba as one of the beneficiary institutions. He acknowledged the facility’s potential to significantly enhance healthcare services in the region.
“The HSP was launched in response to the urgent infrastructure needs identified during the COVID-19 pandemic. Approved by NLNG’s Board in July 2021, the initiative aims to strengthen the nation’s healthcare system by targeting 12 federal university teaching hospitals across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory.
“To date, nine health institutions across Nigeria have undergone major upgrades in areas such as obstetrics, neonatal intensive care, occupational therapy, and neuromodulation rehabilitation.
“Through the HSP and similar initiatives, NLNG continues to demonstrate leadership in the private sector’s contribution to national development, driving progress through sustained investments in healthcare, education, and infrastructure.”