Reps urge life-saving defibrillators in public buildings

Lawmakers call for defibrillators in public buildings Nigeria to boost emergency response and reduce sudden cardiac arrest deaths nationwide

The House of Representatives on Thursday called for the installation of Automated External Defibrillators in government institutions, schools, religious centres and other public buildings across Nigeria to strengthen emergency medical response.

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The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by the member representing Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency of Kwara State, Muktar Shagaya, during plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

Speaking during the debate, Shagaya expressed concern that most government workplaces lack basic emergency medical equipment despite hosting large numbers of workers and visitors daily.

The lawmaker noted that cardiac arrest remains one of the leading causes of sudden and unexpected deaths worldwide, often occurring without warning and requiring immediate medical intervention to prevent fatalities.

“Medical science has conclusively established that Automated External Defibrillators are proven, life-saving devices capable of restoring normal heart rhythm during cardiac emergencies.

Survival rates drop drastically for every minute defibrillation is delayed,” Shagaya said.

He added that Ministries, Departments and Agencies, legislative complexes, courts, schools and other public institutions across the country largely lack such critical equipment and trained first responders.

Shagaya cited recent tragic incidents of sudden deaths in public offices to illustrate the urgency of improving emergency preparedness.

Among them was the reported death of a public servant, Pharmacist Bilkisu, who slumped while addressing colleagues at work on January 5, 2026.

He also recalled the June 24, 2024 incident when a senior official of the Nigerian Customs Service, Andrew Essien, reportedly collapsed and died within the National Assembly Complex while on official duty.

The lawmaker further referenced the December 11, 2025 death of Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who collapsed during a public engagement.

According to him, these incidents occurred in environments where the presence of defibrillators in public buildings Nigeria could have provided immediate life-saving intervention.

Shagaya noted that several countries, including the United States, Canada and the United Arab Emirates, have made the installation of defibrillators in public spaces mandatory as part of basic safety regulations.

Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to ensure the immediate installation of the devices in federal institutions, schools, National Youth Service Corps camps, religious centres and other public buildings nationwide, including the National Assembly Complex.

Lawmakers also directed Ministries, Departments and Agencies to ensure the devices are visibly placed, regularly maintained and supported by staff training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of Automated External Defibrillators.

The House mandated its Committees on Health and Legislative Compliance to monitor and ensure the prompt implementation of the resolution.

Health experts have long stressed that wider availability of defibrillators in public buildings Nigeria could dramatically improve survival rates in cases of sudden cardiac arrest.

Studies show that the chances of survival decline sharply with each minute that passes without defibrillation.

AEDs are designed to be simple to use and can guide bystanders through delivering a life-saving shock before professional medical responders arrive.

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Public health advocates say making such equipment standard safety tools in busy institutions could transform emergency response capacity and save countless lives.

Quadri Olaitan