The Federal Government has commissioned Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered ambulances for tertiary hospitals across Nigeria as part of efforts to strengthen emergency medical response and improve healthcare delivery.
The initiative, delivered under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and supported through the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), is aimed at enhancing the referral system between secondary and tertiary health facilities.
Officials said the deployment of the CNG ambulances is expected to improve response time for emergency cases, particularly in obstetric and newborn care, while also reducing operational costs and environmental impact compared to conventional fuel-powered vehicles.
The programme covers 73 hospitals nationwide, creating what authorities described as a unified emergency response network for critical medical situations.
According to health sector stakeholders, the upgraded ambulance system will help ensure faster patient transfers, improved coordination among hospitals, and more efficient handling of life-threatening emergencies.
The initiative forms part of broader reforms in the health sector aimed at modernising infrastructure, expanding access to emergency care, and improving outcomes for patients across the country.
