The House of Representatives has called for the installation of life-saving heart emergency devices in public buildings across Nigeria in a bid to improve emergency medical response and reduce sudden deaths.
The lawmakers made the call on Thursday during plenary in Abuja while adopting a motion that urged the Federal Government to install Automated External Defibrillators in government offices, schools, religious centres and other public places.
The motion was sponsored by Muktar Shagaya, who represents Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency in Kwara State.
The plenary session was presided over by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Benjamin Kalu.
Lawmakers said installing the devices would help improve survival chances for people who suffer cardiac arrest in public places where medical help may not arrive quickly.
A defibrillator, also known as an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), is a medical device used during heart emergencies.
It works by delivering an electric shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm when a person suffers cardiac arrest.
Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating properly, preventing blood from circulating through the body.
When this happens, the person may collapse, lose consciousness and stop breathing normally.
Medical experts say immediate response within a few minutes is critical to saving the person’s life.
Defibrillators are designed to be easy to use and can guide users through voice instructions during an emergency.
Because of this, even people without medical training can use them after brief instruction.
While presenting the motion, Shagaya expressed concern that many public buildings in Nigeria do not have emergency medical equipment.
He said most Ministries, Departments and Agencies lack defibrillators and trained first responders, even though thousands of people pass through such places daily.
According to him, cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of sudden and unexpected deaths worldwide.
He explained that the condition often happens without warning, meaning that immediate action is necessary to prevent death.
“Medical science has established that Automated External Defibrillators are proven life-saving devices capable of restoring normal heart rhythm during cardiac emergencies,” Shagaya told lawmakers.
He added that survival rates drop sharply with every minute that passes without defibrillation.
In many cases, he said, victims die because help arrives too late or the necessary equipment is not available.
During the debate on the motion, the lawmaker referred to several recent incidents where people collapsed and died suddenly in public places.
One of the cases mentioned was that of a female public servant identified as Pharmacist Bilkisu, who reportedly collapsed and died while addressing colleagues in her office on January 5, 2026.
Shagaya said the incident highlighted the urgent need for emergency response equipment in workplaces.
He also recalled the death of a senior official of the Nigeria Customs Service, Andrew Essien.
According to the lawmaker, Essien collapsed and died on June 24, 2024, while on official duty within the National Assembly complex in Abuja.
Another case he mentioned was the reported collapse of a senior government official during a public engagement.
Shagaya said these incidents occurred in government environments where access to emergency medical equipment could have helped save lives.
“These tragic events show the urgent need for defibrillators in public institutions,” he said.
Shagaya also told lawmakers that several countries have made the installation of defibrillators in public places mandatory.
He cited examples such as the United States, Canada and the United Arab Emirates.
In these countries, defibrillators are commonly found in airports, shopping malls, schools, sports centres and government offices.
They are placed in visible locations so that members of the public can quickly access them during emergencies.
Many countries also require staff members in public institutions to receive training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, commonly known as CPR.
After considering the motion, the House of Representatives adopted the proposal and passed several resolutions.
The lawmakers urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to ensure the immediate installation of Automated External Defibrillators in federal government institutions.
They said the devices should also be placed in schools, National Youth Service Corps camps, religious houses and other public buildings across the country.
Lawmakers also asked that the devices be installed in the National Assembly complex itself.
In addition, the House urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies to ensure that the devices are placed in visible and easily accessible areas.
They also stressed the importance of regular maintenance to ensure the equipment remains functional.
Apart from installing the devices, lawmakers also called for the training of staff members in emergency response techniques.
They said workers should be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and in the proper use of Automated External Defibrillators.
CPR is a life-saving technique used to maintain blood flow to the brain and other vital organs when a person’s heart stops beating.
When combined with defibrillation, CPR can significantly improve survival chances for cardiac arrest victims.
If immediate action is taken, many victims can recover before advanced medical help arrives.
To ensure the resolution is implemented, the House assigned oversight responsibility to two of its committees.
The committees were directed to monitor the process and ensure that the resolution is carried out.
Lawmakers said proper monitoring will help ensure that the devices are installed and maintained across public institutions.
In many parts of the country, access to ambulances, trained emergency responders and medical equipment remains limited.
As a result, victims of sudden medical emergencies often rely on bystanders or colleagues for immediate assistance.
Health advocates have long called for stronger emergency response systems in workplaces, schools and public areas.
They argue that simple measures such as installing defibrillators and training staff could save many lives.
Cardiac arrest can affect people of all ages and can happen suddenly, even in individuals who appear healthy.
The House of Representatives said the installation of defibrillators would represent an important step toward improving public safety in Nigeria.
Lawmakers noted that government offices, schools and religious centres attract large numbers of people every day.
Having life-saving devices available in such places could help prevent avoidable deaths.
They also stressed that the measure would bring Nigeria closer to international standards in public health safety.
If implemented nationwide, the proposal could help ensure that people suffering sudden cardiac emergencies receive quick and effective help.
