Reps Push for Defibrillators in Public Buildings After Series of Sudden Deaths

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives has called for the immediate installation of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in federal government institutions, schools, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps, religious centres and other public buildings across Nigeria.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Rep. Muktar Tolani Shagaya during plenary, raising concern over the absence of life-saving emergency medical devices in most government workplaces despite the high volume of daily human traffic.

Moving the motion, Shagaya said 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 noted that survival rates drop drastically for every minute defibrillation is delayed, stressing that Automated External Defibrillators are proven medical devices capable of restoring normal heart rhythm during cardiac emergencies.

The lawmaker expressed concern that Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), legislative complexes, courts, schools and other public institutions across Nigeria largely lack emergency medical equipment such as defibrillators and trained first responders.

Shagaya recalled 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 also cited the June 24, 2024 death of a senior official of the Nigerian Customs Service, Andrew Essien, who collapsed during a public engagement, as well as the December 11, 2025 incident in which the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State slumped and died while on official duty.

According to him, the deaths occurred in government environments where immediate access to Automated External Defibrillators could have provided timely life-saving interventions.

The House noted that in countries such as the United States, Canada and the United Arab Emirates, the installation of defibrillators in public offices and government buildings is mandatory as part of basic public safety requirements.

Adopting 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 on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of AEDs.

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