The Federal Government says it has expanded emergency medical systems nationwide through the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS).
It also called for improved access to the 112 emergency number.
National Programme Manager Dr. Emuren Doubra made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja, responding to an article reviewing Nigeria’s emergency care landscape.
The journal article, titled “Progress in Emergency Medicine in Nigeria: Where We Are in 2025,” was published in the African Journal of Emergency Medicine.
It acknowledged significant strides in Nigerian emergency medicine but highlighted the need for greater synergy between out-of-hospital and in-hospital systems, plus stronger training programmes across all cadres.
The statement noted that starting residency training in Emergency Medicine (EM) in Nigeria is a key development that will produce specialists needed to advance the specialty and improve care integration.
“Some moderate success has been achieved in pre-hospital and emergency nurse training; however, more work is needed to support these cadres and build a strong national emergency system in Nigeria,” it said.
NEMSAS coordinates Emergency Medical Services (EMS) nationwide and provides free emergency care for poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
Doubra described the journal as providing “a good introduction to what NEMSAS represents within the EMS ecosystem.”
The article described Nigeria’s emergency care system as historically fragmented and poorly organized, with multiple emergency numbers and limited ambulance availability.
It noted that functional pre-hospital EMS exists only in a few states, with ambulance fleets inadequate due to poor maintenance and funding.
In response, Doubra said the article “failed to add that NEMSAS had supported all states in setting up EMS structures to manage ambulance services and provide free emergency care.”
He added that these structures operate through public and private facilities, as well as federal tertiary facilities, ensuring poor Nigerians receive lifesaving care.
Doubra said 33 states and the FCT now have EMS systems, with 21 states operational and others on the verge of commencing operations.
“Every state has an emergency medical treatment gateway under the BHCPF,” he said, noting some states have not yet drawn support despite having NEMSAS structures.
Addressing multiple emergency numbers, Doubra explained they arose from limitations in the original line.
“There are multiple emergency communication numbers because the original number is not optimal when people are vulnerable and need to act quickly,” he said.
He confirmed low awareness of 112 nationwide, aligning with journal concerns.
Doubra urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to improve awareness and ensure functionality of 112 across all networks.
He warned that access varies by operator, saying “one network may be more functional than the others, which is a problem during emergencies.”
He also called for a Good Samaritan Law, noting “good Samaritans have had ugly experiences at the hands of law enforcement officers.”
Doubra highlighted that 11,200 women with obstetric emergencies and 1,680 newborns were transported and successfully managed at NHIA-empanelled facilities.
He emphasized improved collaboration among emergency response agencies, particularly for 112 functionality.
Doubra urged the public to support emergency medical services “with optimism rather than negative reports and pessimism.”
