The Nigerian government has underscored that sustainable oxygen supply systems, not just equipment installation, are critical to improving maternal health, pandemic readiness, and Emergency care, marking a policy shift toward long-term functionality.
Speaking at the 2026 National Oxygen Coordination Committee in Abuja, Daju Kachollom, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, highlighted significant progress in deploying oxygen infrastructure, including Pressure Swing Adsorption plants and liquid oxygen tanks across health facilities. However, she stressed that physical presence does not equal functional impact. “Our theme, ‘Beyond Access’, is a call to honesty,” Kachollom stated. “A machine that is not maintained, or a system that is not funded, is not a solution but a liability. We must guarantee oxygen.”
The meeting emphasized a strategic expansion to include state-level health commissioners and executive secretaries, signalling a renewed commitment to implementing the National Strategy for the Scale-Up of Medical Oxygen in Nigeria (2023–2027). This framework aims to build a resilient ecosystem focused on people, policy, and political will to ensure oxygen security endures beyond current administrative tenures.
Dr. Gilbert Shetak of the National Oxygen Desk affirmed the ministry’s dedication to expanding sustainable oxygen access nationwide. Development partners, including the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), also affirmed their support. Lekia Nwidae of CHAI urged stakeholders to reflect on progress and plan ahead, noting that collaborative efforts with agencies like UNICEF and FHI 360 have already improved supply chains and reduced mortality, especially in underserved regions.
The drive addresses a pressing public health need. Pneumonia remains the leading cause of death for children under five in Nigeria, with experts estimating that 20–40% of these fatalities could be prevented with reliable medical oxygen therapy. The national strategy directly targets hypoxemia-related deaths by integrating oxygen into primary healthcare and strengthening supply chains, maintenance protocols, and clinical training.
By transitioning from a focus on equipment deployment to system sustainability, Nigerian health authorities aim to embed oxygen security within the broader goal of Universal Health Coverage, ensuring that critical care tools are consistently available where they are needed most. The coordination of federal, state, and partner efforts will be pivotal to achieving lasting reductions in preventable mortality.
