The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has approved a ₦1.74 billion contract for the acquisition of 12 new high-tech ambulances to enhance emergency medical response across Abuja.
Speaking after the FCT Executive Council meeting on Friday, the Mandate Secretary for Health, Environment, and Human Services, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, said the approval marks the first time in almost ten years that the territory will be receiving a new fleet of emergency ambulances.
She explained that the vehicles, Toyota Hiace Hiroof (2023/2024 models), meet global technical standards and have already been delivered, with official commissioning expected soon.
“For the first time in nine years, the FCT will get 12 brand new special ambulances built to international specifications. They’ve been delivered and will be commissioned soon,” Fasawe said.
According to her, the project, initiated under the leadership of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, is part of a broader plan to digitise emergency medical systems across hospitals, providing real-time data on bed space and facility availability.
Dr. Fasawe also revealed that the administration is partnering with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to upgrade the 112 toll-free emergency line. The revamped system will enable instant connection to the nearest ambulance service through agencies like FEMA, NEMSAS, and the FCT Health Insurance Scheme.
She further stressed the FCTA’s firm stance against the misuse of ambulances for conveying corpses, describing such acts as both unethical and unsafe. To address this, she said, provisions are being made in the next budget to procure dedicated hearses for that purpose.
