The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has joined forces with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to roll out a nationwide sensitisation campaign on the mandatory treatment of gunshot victims in Nigeria.
The partnership was formalised at a meeting held at NOA Headquarters in Abuja, with the agency’s Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, represented by the Director of Social Mobilisation, Ayoola Olufemi.
In a statement shared on NOA’s X handle on Friday, officials stressed the importance of educating Nigerians about the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act, enacted in 2017.
“Delays in treating gunshot victims often lead to preventable deaths. Many Nigerians are unaware that hospitals are legally required to provide immediate care before requesting police reports, administrative paperwork, or payment guarantees,” Olufemi said.
He added that NOA’s extensive network of 818 offices nationwide positions the agency to lead the awareness drive and ensure citizens understand their rights under the law.
Representing the ICRC, Deputy Head in Nigeria James Matthew lauded the collaboration, emphasizing the need to educate citizens, healthcare providers, and communities about the legislation.
“Through NOA’s national reach, the ICRC aims to ensure gunshot victims receive timely medical care. Greater awareness can save lives, especially in emergencies,” Matthew stated.
The signing ceremony included key NOA officials, such as Dr. Ayoola Olufemi, Director of Health and Social Care; Dogo Williams, Director of Legal; and Meriam Yakubu, alongside ICRC delegates, including Humanitarian Affairs Adviser Juliet Kelechi Unudi, and media representatives from the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, News Agency of Nigeria, Armed Forces Radio, Science Newspaper, and Daily Trust.
The campaign seeks to promote nationwide awareness of the law, encourage prompt medical intervention, and ultimately save lives across Nigeria.