The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has condemned the increasing use of emergency ambulances to transport corpses in Abuja, describing the practice as both unethical and unsafe.
Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, disclosed the administration’s concerns after the fifth FCT Executive Committee meeting presided over by Minister Nyesom Wike.
“In the FCT, we have zero tolerance for an ambulance to carry a corpse. It is not ethical because the same stretcher meant for living patients might later be used without proper decontamination,” Fasawe stated.
She revealed that the FCTA is already working toward acquiring dedicated hearses in the next budget cycle to ensure corpses are transported with dignity and without public health risks.
As part of broader improvements in medical emergency response, the administration also approved the procurement of 12 brand-new Toyota Hiace ambulances — the first major acquisition of emergency vehicles in nearly a decade. The ambulances, fitted to international standards, are expected to be commissioned soon.
Fasawe said ongoing road rehabilitation across the FCT has significantly shortened travel time, allowing emergency responders to reach patients faster.
“With improved road access and these new ambulances, response time may drop to just three minutes in some locations,” she noted, while urging residents to make use of the active 112 emergency line.
She added that efforts are underway with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure calls to 112 are routed directly to the closest available ambulance from the FCTA’s emergency agencies.
The administration reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health and enhancing the delivery of lifesaving services across the capital.
