Director-General of the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA), Saleh Yuguda, has appealed for sustained legislative support to advance safe and reliable blood services across Nigeria.
Yuguda made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, on Tuesday in Abuja. He expressed appreciation to the Speaker for his instrumental role in sponsoring the bill that led to the creation of the NBSA, noting that the legislation has transformed the country’s approach to blood safety and transfusion management.
According to him, without Mr Abbas’ sponsorship and commitment, the agency might not have attained its current legal and institutional status.
The NBSA chief also sought the Speaker’s continued collaboration in implementing the agency’s next phase of reforms, which include increased funding, policy reinforcement, and the development of stronger legislative frameworks to enhance national blood services.
He pointed out that the agency is intensifying efforts to encourage voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation and to establish additional state and zonal centres to meet Nigeria’s growing demand for blood transfusions.
In his response, Mr Abbas commended the agency’s achievements since its inception and reaffirmed his support for the NBSA’s mission to safeguard lives. He emphasised that “access to safe blood remains a crucial component of public health” and assured that the House of Representatives would continue to back initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s healthcare system.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides pledging closer cooperation between the legislature and the NBSA to promote voluntary blood donation and ensure that no Nigerian loses their life due to lack of safe blood.
(NAN)
