Yuguda visits Abbas, pushes for blood sector reforms

By Abubakar Yunusa

The Director-General of the National Blood Service Agency, Professor Saleh Yuguda, has called for continued legislative support to strengthen blood services across Nigeria.

Yuguda made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, at the National Assembly in Abuja on Monday.

He said the visit was to thank the Speaker for his “pivotal role” in sponsoring the bill that established the agency — a landmark legislation that has transformed the nation’s approach to blood safety and transfusion services.

According to him, without Abbas’ legislative foresight and commitment, the NBSA might not have attained its current legal and institutional footing.

The NBSA boss urged the National Assembly to sustain its support through increased funding, policy backing, and enabling laws that would help the agency deliver safer, sufficient, and timely blood to those in need.

He outlined ongoing reforms aimed at expanding voluntary blood donation, establishing state and zonal centres, and building a robust national blood system capable of meeting Nigeria’s growing healthcare demands.

Responding, Speaker Abbas expressed satisfaction with the agency’s progress since its creation and reiterated the House’s readiness to partner with it to save lives.

“Access to safe blood remains a crucial part of public health,” Abbas said. “The House will continue to support every initiative that strengthens our healthcare system.”

The meeting ended with both parties pledging closer collaboration to promote a culture of voluntary blood donation and ensure no Nigerian dies due to a lack of safe blood.