The Federal Capital Territory Executive Council (FCTA) has approved a N1.74 billion contract for the procurement of 12 new emergency ambulances. The vehicles are intended to strengthen emergency medical response across Abuja.
Mandate Secretary for Health, Human and Environment Services, Adedolapo Fasawe, announced the ratification following the council’s meeting on Friday. The ambulances, she said, have already been delivered and will be commissioned shortly.
The contract covers 12 units of Toyota Hiace Hiroof ambulances, 2023/2024 models, equipped with modern features including keyless entry, airbags, Bluetooth systems, and central locking. Fasawe noted this is the first such acquisition in nine years.
“These ambulances meet international standards and technical specifications,” Fasawe stated. “They were purchased for N1,741,500,000 with a four-week completion timeline.”
The announcement follows Fasawe’s earlier disclosure in July about plans to digitise emergency response systems across FCT hospitals. She reiterated that the new ambulances will be part of a broader service network, including trained first responders and operational bases.
“We don’t just want ambulances—we want ambulance services,” she said during a Community First Responders Training. “Technology will enable real-time hospital access and bed availability.”
Fasawe also confirmed collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission to activate the 112 emergency line. Calls to 112 will be routed to relevant agencies, including FEMA, NEMSAS, and the FCT Health Insurance Scheme.
She emphasised ethical standards in ambulance use, stating that the FCT prohibits transporting corpses in emergency vehicles. Plans are underway to procure hearses in the next budget cycle to address this need.
The initiative reflects the FCT Administration’s commitment to improving emergency healthcare infrastructure. The Health Secretariat continues to expand its partnerships and digital capabilities to enhance service delivery.
