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NEMSAS Charges States, NCC on Emergency Response

by admin on | 2026-04-15 11:32:41

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NEMSAS Charges States, NCC on Emergency Response 

By Ahmad Sirajo Makama,

Abuja

 

 

The National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) has called on state governments and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to strengthen emergency response systems, citing persistent gaps in coordination and communication across the country.

The call was made at the NEMSAS Media Cell Workshop in Abuja, where stakeholders reviewed the performance of emergency medical services and identified critical areas requiring urgent intervention to improve response time and save lives.

Speaking at the event, the National Programme Manager of NEMSAS, Dr. Doubra Emuren, said the success of emergency services in Nigeria depends largely on the commitment of states to take ownership and operationalise structures established under the programme.

“The challenge is not only at the national level; states must be nudged to do what they need to do. It is a shared responsibility,” he said.

Emuren also raised concerns over the inefficiency of the national emergency number, 112, noting that poor connectivity and weak management of Emergency Communication Centres (ECCs) were hindering effective response.

She explained that the ongoing training is designed to strengthen the capacity of media practitioners to tell compelling stories, counter misinformation, and promote public engagement in Nigeria’s health sector reforms.

The Head of Communication and Innovation Lead at SWAP, Dr Lawal Bakare, emphasized that effective health reforms in Nigeria depend on strong, visible institutions, noting that leaders alone cannot deliver services. 

“There is no reform where the institutions are not visible, institutions must take responsibility and engage the media professionally to achieve real impact”. He said.

He urged journalists to play a more active role beyond reporting by shaping programmes and promoting accountability.

 “We want you to also be co-designers of programmes, helping governments to hold government accountable before they fail”. He added.

Dr Bakare highlighted the need to address the trust deficit through transparent and balanced communication.

He also identified maternal and neonatal mortality as a top priority in ongoing reforms, noting its impact on the country’s health outcomes. 

According to him, “if you say the health sector of Nigeria is suffering, it is because of maternal and neonatal death,” stressing that tackling it would significantly reduce the overall health burden.