The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to revitalizing the health sector and enhancing emergency services across the nation’s capital.
Barr. Wike made the pledge, in Abuja while presenting 12 state-of-the-art ambulances to hospitals in the FCT.
He described the move as part of a broader strategy to ensure that no sector—whether infrastructure, education, or health—is left behind under his administration.
Addressing critics who questioned the initial focus on road construction, the Minister explained that good roads are essential for effective ambulance deployment during emergencies.
“So many people were asking why we are concentrating on road infrastructure rather than education. But ambulances cannot function effectively on poor roads. First things first—that’s what we have been able to do,”
The Minister also disclosed that the FCT Administration is currently procuring equipment for the rehabilitation and furnishing of 14 health centers and has directed the FCT Civil Service Commission to begin recruiting new personnel to address staffing shortages.
On the recent indefinite strike by the FCT Joint Union Action Committee, which was halted by the National Industrial Court, Barr. Wike noted that litigation became necessary after appeals to workers to shelve the strike were ignored.
He urged staff to remain law-abiding, warning against politicizing labor disputes.
“To workers and management staff trying to sabotage government efforts, dialogue remains the key. Requests must be addressed sincerely. But when political interests hijack the process, we must respond firmly,”
Highlighting the financial health of the FCT Administration, Wike noted that while worker welfare is important, resources must also support ongoing massive infrastructure development across the capital.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, commended the Minister’s people-oriented governance.
She noted that the ambulance handover reflects the administration’s commitment to emergency preparedness and improved healthcare outcomes.
Dr. Fasawe also confirmed that the FCT is currently the only state/territory in Nigeria with all medical allowances—including residency training funds and hazard allowances—fully paid up to date.
Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Kumshida Balami Yakubu, praised the FCT Administration’s efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness and pledged continued support for achieving the territory’s health goals.
The ambulance handover ceremony included demonstrations of the vehicles’ capabilities and was attended by top FCTA officials including the Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Engr. Emeka Ezeh, and other key health sector stakeholders.