AThe Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Thursday commissioned 12 new ambulances for hospitals across the FCT.
Addressing health sector staff during the commissioning ceremony, Minister Wike commended workers for their resilience and cooperation, even in the face of pending allowances and past challenges. “Nobody went on strike even though there were debts owed. Thank God, we were able to pay off all these debts. Every sector is being looked into,” he said.
Wike urged workers to prioritize service delivery, emphasizing that problems are inevitable in any administration. “Problems will always come up. What is important is that you stay focused and do the best you can. When you leave office, another person will continue from where you stopped,” he said. He also cautioned against politicizing or sabotaging government efforts, stressing that constructive dialogue is the way to resolve disputes.
The Minister noted that the provision of the ambulances is part of a broader effort to strengthen emergency healthcare in the FCT. “This is support for the FCT to enhance emergency services in the health system,” Wike said. He linked the effectiveness of emergency services to improvements in road infrastructure, citing areas like Abaji, Kwali, and Gwagwalada, where travel times for emergency responses have been drastically reduced thanks to ongoing road projects.
Highlighting the administration’s focus on health sector reforms, Wike pointed to ongoing initiatives, including the rehabilitation of 14 health centers, timely payment of hazard allowances and wages, and strategic investments in human resources for health.
Speaking on behalf of the health sector, the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, lauded the Minister for his support and commitment. “These interventions show a deliberate and coordinated effort to deliver accessible, high-quality healthcare for the people of the FCT,” she said, noting the recent upgrade of the School of Nursing to a full College of Nursing as another milestone in strengthening healthcare delivery.
The commissioning of the 12 ambulances marks a significant step toward improving emergency medical response across the Territory, reflecting the administration’s commitment to people-centered governance and resilient healthcare systems.
