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 the country as part of measures to improve emergency medical response.

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

A defibrillator is a life-saving device that delivers an electric shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm in the event of cardiac arrest.

Moving the motion, Shagaya expressed concern over the absence of emergency medical devices in most government workplaces despite the high volume of daily human traffic.

According to him, cardiac arrest remains one of the leading causes of sudden and unexpected deaths worldwide and often occurs without warning, requiring immediate medical intervention within minutes to prevent fatalities.

He said, “Medical science has conclusively established that Automated External Defibrillators are proven, life-saving medical devices capable of restoring normal heart rhythm during cardiac emergencies. Survival rates drop drastically for every minute defibrillation is delayed.”

According to him, “Ministries, Departments and Agencies, legislative complexes, courts, schools and other public institutions across Nigeria largely lack emergency medical equipment such as defibrillators and trained first responders.”

The lawmaker cited several recent incidents of sudden deaths in public offices, including the case of a female public servant, Pharmacist Bilkisu, who reportedly slumped and died while addressing colleagues in her office on January 5, 2026.

He said, “The House recall that on June 24, 2024, a senior official of the Nigerian Customs Service, Andrew Essien, slumped and died within the National Assembly Complex while on official duty.

“The House also recalls the painful incident of December 11, 2025, when a sitting Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, collapsed during a public engagement and subsequently died in the course of service to the nation.”

Shagaya noted that the deaths occurred in government environments where immediate access to Automated External Defibrillators could have provided timely life-saving interventions.

He also pointed out that in countries such as the United States, Canada and the United Arab Emirates, the installation of defibrillators in public buildings is mandatory as part of basic public safety requirements.

Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to ensure the immediate installation of Automated External Defibrillators in federal government institutions, schools, NYSC camps, religious houses and other public buildings across the federation, including the National Assembly Complex.

Lawmakers also urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies to ensure the visible placement of the devices, their regular maintenance and the training of staff in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of AEDs.

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

Health experts have long emphasised the importance of making defibrillators readily available in public places because cardiac arrest can strike without warning, and survival often depends on the speed of intervention.

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

AEDs are designed to be simple to use and can guide bystanders through the process of delivering a life-saving shock before professional medical help arrives.

For this reason, many countries have made them standard safety equipment in airports, schools, sports facilities, government buildings and other crowded public spaces.

Public health advocates say expanding access to such emergency medical equipment in Nigeria could significantly improve survival rates in cases of sudden cardiac arrest, particularly in busy workplaces and institutions where immediate medical assistance may not always be readily available. (The PUNCH)

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