In Zaria, FG Rolls Out Free Ambulance Service to Save Lives

By Abdul Jibril

Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria — Jan 12, 2026(Series News Online)

The Federal Government has officially launched the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), a new initiative designed to provide free medical care to all Nigerians within the first 48 hours of an emergency.

This was disclosed in an interview   in Zaria on Monday by Nasir Nuhu Yakubu, the Head of Claims Management for NEMSAS, while formally declaring the launch of the 48-hour emergency medical care ambulance service. Speaking on behalf of the National Program Manager, Dr. Doubra Emuren, Yakubu confirmed the program operates under the office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammed Ali Pate.

He explained that the primary goal is to save lives by ensuring prompt medical attention for accident victims and those with other critical health emergencies. "The programme is to save lives of all Nigerians within the first 48 hours to resuscitate the victim," he stated. "The initiative is designed to save lives by providing prompt emergency response."

The service places a special emphasis on vulnerable populations. "Special attention is being given to pregnant women facing emergency situations, as part of efforts to reduce maternal mortality rates in the country," Yakubu noted. He outlined ten key mandate areas, including emergencies involving pregnant women, children under five, and victims of snakebites, banditry, road accidents, floods, building collapses, communal clashes, and weapon-related violence.

To ensure comprehensive coverage, the program will operate in two distinct categories. Yakubu explained, "The programme operates under two categories — Urban and Rural emergency ambulance services." He added that "the rural emergency and maternal transport services will deploy tricycle ambulances, popularly known as Keke Napep, to access hard-to-reach terrains and provide life-saving services to vulnerable rural communities."

The NEMSAS initiative is partnering with federal teaching hospitals, federal medical centres, and state and local government health facilities to create a seamless response network. Kaduna State, under the administration of Governor Uba Sani, is one of the states that has already embraced the initiative, launching its pilot program in October of last year.

To ensure the program's success, officials are calling for broad support and private sector investment. "The heads of claims management emphasized the need for the support of traditional and religious leaders, philanthropists, and other stakeholders," Yakubu said, adding that there is a "need for private sector and individuals to buy Ambulances to benefit from the program."