Category Nigeria News

The Federal Government has directed immediate reforms in the emergency care services at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, following public outrage over delayed medical attention to accident victims at the hospital’s emergency unit.

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, issued the directive during an unscheduled visit to the facility on Sunday.

He also revealed plans to launch a nationwide emergency care training programme aimed at standardising and improving response capacities across public hospitals.

The visit came in response to a viral video showing victims of an accident allegedly left unattended at the hospital’s emergency unit. The footage, which sparked outrage and allegations of negligence on social media, prompted the government to set up an investigative panel to probe the incident.

Dr. Salako said he received the panel’s report before arriving at the hospital. During the inspection, he engaged with frontline medical staff, assessed infrastructure, and reviewed the facility’s operational readiness to handle emergencies.

“You are in the eye of the storm, responsible for saving lives. Even if you’ve done one million things right, one mistake is what the public will remember,” Salako told the staff during the visit.

As part of immediate corrective measures, the minister ordered the hospital management to increase the number of casualty officers per shift from two to at least four, aimed at improving response time and ensuring newly recruited health assistants are fully integrated into clinical operations.

Salako also identified infrastructure gaps within the emergency unit, calling for urgent upgrades to complement recent improvements in electricity and water supply. “These improvements must be ongoing and focused on patient needs,” he stressed.

On security concerns, hospital officials told the minister that the facility is working with private security firms and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to regulate access to the emergency area.

Salako emphasised the need for enhanced surveillance systems, noting that CCTV footage has proved critical in previous investigations.

READ ALSO: Sights Restored As Over 2,000 Benefit From NNPC/Shell ‘Vision First’ Lagos Outreach

Responding to the minister’s inquiries, Head of the Emergency Unit, Dr. Timothy Sama’ila, admitted existing challenges such as limited space, high patient volumes, and staff shortages.

The paperwork to perfect the release of the remains of former Nigerian leader Muhammadu Buhari from a hospital in London has begun.

Channels Television’s UK correspondent Juliana Olayinka said the remains of the late Nigerian former president would be released once the documentations were perfected.

Earlier on Monday, Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, arrived in London, the United Kingdom, to receive the body of the late president.

READ ALSO: Adesina, Mohammed, Atiku, Obi, Others Celebrate Buhari’s ‘Selfless Service’

The Nigerian delegation to the United Kingdom was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum; among others.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as an “enigmatic leader, iconic elder-statesman, and exemplary patriot.”

In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC said Buhari’s life of “devoted resolve, resilience, discipline and integrity” would remain evergreen in the hearts of Nigerians and future generations.

The former president, who died at the age of 82, was hailed for leading a simple but exceptional life of service to the nation.

The party recalled his tenure as Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), military Head of State, and later as Nigeria’s two-term civilian president and commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces.

“Against the backdrop of his record of military service, the departed former President was an unlikely democrat but one of the most influential contributors to the strengthening and consolidation of our democracy,” the statement read.

READ ALSO: Buhari: Katsina Govt Declares Monday Work-Free Day

The APC also highlighted Buhari’s role in the emergence of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), which later merged with other parties to form the APC in 2013.

It noted that Buhari made history in 2015 by becoming the first presidential contender to defeat an incumbent president.

On behalf of the Acting National Chairman, Hon. Bukar Dalori, the National Working Committee (NWC), and stakeholders of the party, Morka extended condolences to Buhari’s immediate family, President Bola Tinubu, the federal government, the people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians over what he described as a “massive and irreparable loss.”

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) landslide victory in Saturday’s local government elections as a collective win for all Lagosians.

He also joined the nation in mourning the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari and the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, whom he described as two “remarkable leaders and giants of our time.”

In a statement on Sunday, Sanwo-Olu congratulated APC leaders, stakeholders, and supporters for what he called a “resounding victory” across the 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas of Lagos State.

The APC clinched all 57 chairmanship seats and 375 out of 376 councillorship positions in the poll.

“This outcome is a clear affirmation of the trust and confidence that the good people of Lagos have in the APC’s vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to inclusive development at the grassroots,” the governor said.

Sanwo-Olu congratulated the newly elected chairmen and councillors, reminding them that the real work begins now.

“This victory is not an end but a means to an end that ends up being selfless, responsive, and accountable service to the people,” he said. He urged the winners to govern with humility, transparency, and compassion and to reach across all divides.

READ ALSO: UPDATED: Former President Muhammadu Buhari Dies At 82

On national matters, the governor expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of Buhari and Oba Adetona, who passed away on the same day.

He praised Buhari as “a courageous, disciplined, respected and passionate leader” who sacrificed much of his life in service to Nigeria.

“His commitment to the growth and development of Nigeria is worthy of emulation because he provided honest and transparent leadership in the country,” Sanwo-Olu said. He extended condolences to Buhari’s family, particularly his wife, Hajia Aisha Buhari, and prayed for the former president’s soul to rest in peace.

Sanwo-Olu also paid tribute to Oba Adetona, describing him as “more than a monarch but a pillar” who led Ijebuland for 65 years with wisdom and grace. “It’s hard to imagine Ijebuland without him. He was a leader whose voice mattered. His presence commanded respect. And above all, his heart was always with his people,” the governor said.