Reps Push for Life-Saving Heart Devices in Public Buildings

The House of Representatives on Thursday in Abuja urged the installation of Automated External Defibrillators in government offices, schools, religious centres and other public buildings across Nigeria to improve emergency response to cardiac arrest.

The call came during plenary at the National Assembly after lawmakers adopted a motion on the need for life-saving medical equipment in public spaces.

The motion was moved by the member representing Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency of Kwara State, Muktar Shagaya, and the session was presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu.

Lawmakers raised concern about the lack of emergency medical equipment in many public workplaces and institutions in the country. They said many government buildings receive large numbers of people daily but still do not have basic devices that can help during sudden medical emergencies.

A defibrillator is a medical device used when a person experiences cardiac arrest. The device delivers an electric shock to the heart to help restore a normal heartbeat. Medical experts explain that quick access to the device can help save lives because survival chances reduce as the time between the collapse and treatment increases.

While presenting the motion, Shagaya said cardiac arrest remains one of the major causes of sudden death around the world. He explained that the condition can happen without warning and requires urgent action within minutes if the victim is to survive.

The lawmaker also noted that many Ministries, Departments and Agencies, legislative offices, courts, schools and other government institutions in Nigeria do not have defibrillators or trained personnel who can respond quickly when such emergencies occur.

He referred to several incidents where people collapsed and died in public offices and government facilities. One of the cases involved a female public servant, identified as Pharmacist Bilkisu, who reportedly collapsed while speaking with colleagues in her office on January 5, 2026.

Another incident involved a senior officer of the Nigerian Customs Service, Andrew Essien, who slumped and died within the National Assembly complex on June 24, 2024 while carrying out official duties.

The lawmaker also mentioned the death of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who collapsed during a public engagement on December 11, 2025 and later died.

Members of the House said such deaths occurred in locations where immediate access to defibrillators could have helped provide quick medical support before professional help arrived.

They also pointed out that several countries, including the United States, Canada and the United Arab Emirates, require the installation of defibrillators in public places as part of public safety measures.

After adopting the motion, the House asked the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to begin the installation of Automated External Defibrillators in federal government institutions, schools, National Youth Service Corps camps, religious centres and other public facilities across the country.

The lawmakers also called for the installation of the devices within the National Assembly complex.

In addition, Ministries, Departments and Agencies were urged to ensure the devices are placed in visible areas, properly maintained and supported with training for staff on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and how to operate the equipment during emergencies.

The House also directed its Committees on Health and Legislative Compliance to monitor the implementation of the resolution and ensure that the decision is carried out.

Health professionals have long advised that defibrillators should be available in public locations because cardiac arrest can happen suddenly and survival often depends on how quickly treatment begins. Studies have shown that the chances of survival reduce with every minute that passes without defibrillation.

Automated External Defibrillators are designed to be easy to use. The devices provide voice instructions that guide bystanders through the process of delivering an electric shock to the heart before medical workers arrive.

Because of this, many countries have placed the devices in airports, schools, sports arenas, government offices and other crowded places to improve survival chances during sudden cardiac arrest.

Public health advocates believe that making such equipment available in Nigerian public spaces could help reduce deaths from cardiac emergencies, especially in busy workplaces and institutions where medical assistance may not always be immediately available.