The Federal Government on Tuesday underscored the urgent need for a stable and secure medical oxygen supply in Nigeria, describing it as vital for maternal health, pandemic preparedness, and effective emergency response.
Speaking at the 2026 National Oxygen Coordination Committee meeting in Abuja, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, said oxygen security has become a defining measure of healthcare quality and resilience.
Kachollom noted that reliable access to oxygen is central to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), emphasizing that shortages can significantly compromise patient outcomes, particularly among vulnerable groups.
“Ensuring oxygen security is no longer optional. It is fundamental to maternal and child survival, critical care, and national readiness for health emergencies,” she said.
According to the Permanent Secretary, lessons from recent public health crises, including respiratory disease outbreaks, have highlighted the necessity of strengthening Nigeria’s oxygen ecosystem. She stressed the importance of coordinated investment in production, storage, distribution, and maintenance infrastructure.
Kachollom said the government is prioritizing partnerships with the private sector, development agencies, and subnational governments to expand oxygen availability across health facilities nationwide. She added that efforts are ongoing to address gaps in logistics, power supply, and biomedical engineering support.
Participants at the meeting discussed strategies for scaling up oxygen plants, improving cylinder supply chains, and enhancing technical capacity for equipment servicing. Stakeholders also reviewed progress made since previous committee sessions.
