By Anne Azuka
As part of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Hospital Support Programme, the Federal Government on Thursday commissioned a newly renovated and fully equipped Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba.
The multi-million naira facility was officially handed over by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NLNG, Dr. Philip Mshelbila, to the Chief Medical Director of FMC Asaba, Dr. Victor Osiatuma.
The upgraded units—executed under NLNG’s Hospital Support Programme—feature a range of specialized rooms including preparation and storage rooms, recovery rooms, nurses’ stations, pre-operation rooms, a linen room, and advanced safety features such as medical and automated access-control doors.
Commissioning the facility, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziak Salako, described the project as a significant milestone in advancing healthcare delivery in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Represented by the Director of Hospital Services at the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Jimoh Salaudeen, the Minister said the project would directly contribute to reducing infant mortality rates in Nigeria.
“One of the cardinal indicators of improved population health under the current leadership of the Federal Ministry of Health is the reduction in infant mortality. This NICU, equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by trained professionals, is a critical step toward achieving that goal,” Salako said.
“This centre is expected to serve as a regional hub for neonatology, significantly improving survival rates and the quality of life for premature and critically ill infants.”
He praised NLNG for its targeted investment in healthcare, noting that the return on health-sector investments often exceeds 100 percent—far higher than many traditional infrastructure projects. He also urged other corporate organizations to emulate NLNG’s example and contribute to improving healthcare infrastructure nationwide.
Speaking at the event, NLNG Managing Director Dr. Mshelbila—represented by General Manager of External Relations, Dr. Sophia Horsfall—said the upgraded facility would save countless lives by enhancing care for newborns.
“With this upgrade, FMC Asaba is now better positioned to deliver care with improved tools, faster response times, and better outcomes for the youngest and most vulnerable patients,” she stated.
Dr. Horsfall added that FMC Asaba is now among 12 federal teaching hospitals and medical centres selected across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and the FCT under the NLNG Post-COVID-19 Hospital Support Programme. So far, nine hospitals—from Yenagoa to Uyo, Abuja to Kano—have benefited from upgrades to neonatal, obstetric, occupational therapy, and neuromodulation rehabilitation facilities.
“The Hospital Support Programme is part of our broader vision to sustainably improve lives. Beyond healthcare, NLNG remains committed to investing in people—through scholarships, educational support, and infrastructure development,” she noted. “To the staff and patients of FMC Asaba: this is your space. May it bring healing, hope, and a better start for every child who comes through its doors.”
FMC Asaba Chief Medical Director, Dr. Victor Osiatuma, expressed gratitude for the intervention and gave an overview of the facility. He noted that the entire neonatal unit was rebuilt and piped with oxygen, ensuring every baby—whether in a cot or incubator—has direct oxygen access. The ward is powered by a 60 KVA inverter system to ensure sustainable energy supply, and is equipped with state-of-the-art ventilators and X-ray machines.
Also present was the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Epiphany Azinge, represented by Chief Patrick Ndili, who applauded the project, describing it as a welcome development that would benefit Asaba and surrounding communities.
Other dignitaries, including the Chairperson of the FMC Board, Dr. Mary Idele-Alile, and NLNG Board Director, Henry Obi, also lauded the initiative, calling it a transformative intervention in the nation’s healthcare landscape.
The Hospital Support Programme is one of several CSR initiatives by NLNG aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery across Nigeria, in line with its mission to remain a globally competitive energy company committed to sustainable human development.
