The federal government is planning the establishment of blood collection centres in all 774 local government areas in the country, including the Federal Capital Territory, the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA) said at the weekend.
A statement by the agency’s spokesman Abdullahi Haruna said the centres would ensure availability of blood for medical emergencies and transfusions.
The statement said the agency’s director-general, Saleh Yuguda, reiterated government’s commitment to address blood shortage in the country and the initiative would help save lives.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that blood needs are adequately addressed, and this initiative is a significant step towards achieving that goal.
“NBSA has partnered with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to establish a formidable blood bank at the Corp’s medical facility.
“This collaboration aims to mitigate blood shortages during medical emergencies and provide critical support to sister security agencies,” he said.
He said to kickstart the project, the FCT would host strategic blood collection facilities in easily accessible locations.
“This move is expected to increase blood donation rates and ensure a steady supply of blood for medical purposes,” Yuguda said.
