FG sets to secure oxygen supply for maternal, emergency care
By SUMAYYAH ADEFAKA
The Federal Government on Tuesday emphasised the critical need for Nigeria to have a stable and secure oxygen supply, highlighting its importance for maternal health, pandemic preparedness, and emergency response.
The government noted that oxygen security is a key component defining the quality of healthcare, in line with the principles of Universal Health Coverage.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, made the remarks during the 2026 edition of the National Oxygen Coordination Committee in Abuja.
“We were in a race against time and logistics, so we focused on the physical deployment of infrastructure—getting Pressure Swing Adsorption Plants, Liquid Oxygen tanks, and Oxygen Optimisation Equipment into our facilities,” Kachollom said.
“We have made incredible strides in that regard. However, physical presence is not the same as functional impact. Today, we move the needle forward.
“Our theme, ‘Beyond Access’, is a call to honesty. We must acknowledge a hard truth: a machine that is not maintained, or a system that is not funded, is not a solution but a liability in disguise. In other words, it is no longer enough to have oxygen; we must guarantee oxygen.
“This year, we have intentionally expanded our circle. I am particularly pleased to see the Honourable Commissioners and Executive Secretaries in attendance. Your presence signifies a vital shift in re-commitment to our national strategy.
“By sitting at this table, you are acknowledging that oxygen security is central to maternal health, emergency response, and pandemic preparedness. It is an important component that defines the quality of care.
“We are here for commitment-making. The equipment we have installed is made of steel and sensors, but the system we are building is made of people, policy, and political will. We are not just buying machines; we are building a resilient ecosystem designed to outlive our current tenures and serve generations to come.”
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Gilbert Shetak, Head of the National Oxygen Desk at the Federal Ministry of Health, said the government would continue efforts to expand oxygen sustainability across hospitals nationwide.
Similarly, Lekia Nwidae, Senior Programme Manager at the Clinton Health Access Initiative, commended the Federal Government and development partners for their efforts toward achieving oxygen sustainability in Nigeria. She urged participants to reflect on progress and strategise on the way forward.
Nigeria faces significant challenges in ensuring oxygen sustainability, with pneumonia being the leading cause of death among children under five. Experts estimate that 20–40% of pneumonia deaths could be prevented with accessible medical oxygen therapy.
To address this, development partners such as UNICEF, Clinton Health Access Initiative, and FHI 360 have continued collaborating to improve oxygen supply and infrastructure in Nigerian hospitals.
The Federal Ministry of Health has also launched the National Strategy for the Scale-Up of Medical Oxygen in Nigeria, 2023–2027, aimed at preventing deaths from hypoxemia.
