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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), said it’s working assidously to expand its services to ensure national coverage.
National Programme Manager of NEMSAS, Dr. Emuren Doubra, stated this in a statement released to journalists in Abuja.
He highlighted critical milestones and ongoing efforts to strengthen emergency medical services (EMS) across Nigeria, while calling for improved functionality of the 112 emergency number and the enactment of a Good Samaritan Law.
He maintained that across the 36 states and the FCT, no state is without NEMSAS-supported structures. “33 states and FCT have state emergency medical services and ambulance systems, with varying numbers of ambulances; 21 states are presently operational, while the others are on the verge of commencing operations.
“We cannot say we have an equitable distribution of ambulances or that we have enough ambulances. But we have ambulances operational in these states. There are only three states in which the State Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance Systems are not set up.
“However, to ensure the population within these states is not disenfranchised, empanelled Federal Tertiary Health Facilities would serve as interim EMS thus coordinating bodies in the three states pending the establishment of these states’ structures.
“No state is without an emergency medical treatment gateway funding opportunity under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF). Some states have not yet started drawing support, but they have dedicated structures in place to do so, which NEMSAS has set up. Now, it is one thing to set up a structure, but it is the state’s responsibility to commence operations. We are optimistic about functionality. We are optimistic about the benefits and the success factor.”
Dr. Doura said that NEMSAS has leveraged multiple emergency communication numbers to bring ambulance services closer to communities. “Alternate numbers are being introduced because the original national emergency number has not been consistently optimal in urgent situations when callers are distressed and require immediate assistance.”
Dr. Doubra therefore called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to scale up awareness campaigns and improve the functionality of the 112 emergency communication number across all mobile networks, noting that accessibility varies among telecommunications operators.
He also advocated the enactment of a “Good Samaritan Law” to protect citizens who assist accident victims and other emergency cases because some Good Samaritans have had unpleasant encounters with law enforcement officers while attempting to help victims.
In addition, he highlighted NEMSAS’ rural complementary initiative aimed at reducing maternal and newborn mortality by addressing the “second delay” which is the time it takes to reach a health facility during obstetric emergencies.
Through the Rural Emergency Service and Maternal Transport (RESMAT) programme operational in 123 Local Government Areas, the agency has recorded significant impact. “As of December 2025, over 40,000 pregnant women from hard-to-reach communities have been transported to health facilities for delivery.
Dr. Doubra emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among emergency response agencies and programmes nationwide, particularly to enhance access to and functionality of the 112 emergency number.
He urged Nigerians to embrace optimism and support ongoing reforms in emergency medical services rather than focusing on negative narratives.
“We are optimistic about functionality, the benefits, and the success factors of emergency medical services in Nigeria. What we need now is collaboration, awareness, and collective commitment,” he said.
