Safety has become the top priority for the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) as millions of Nigerians travel across the country for the Eid-el-Fitr holidays. Today, March 21, 2026, the National Programme Manager of NEMSAS, Dr. Emuren Doubra, issued a comprehensive advisory urging citizens to remain vigilant, especially during road travels and large public gatherings. The agency noted that holiday periods often see a spike in road traffic accidents and domestic emergencies due to increased mobility and overcrowding at event centers. According to the Gazette, NEMSAS has deployed additional ambulance units along major highways, including the Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Lokoja expressways, to ensure that emergency medical response is delivered within the “golden hour” to save lives.
In his Sallah message, Dr. Doubra emphasized that the values of discipline and sacrifice learned during Ramadan should translate into a culture of safety and care for one’s neighbors. He reminded the public that the “112” emergency toll-free number is fully operational and should be called immediately in the event of any health crisis or accident. Gopedia Media reports that many families are traveling to their home states for the first time in years following the relative improvement in security across the Northwest and Southwest regions. However, the high volume of traffic means that motorists must strictly adhere to speed limits and avoid night travels. The NEMSAS coordinator also praised the resilience of healthcare workers who are staying on duty throughout the festivities to manage potential emergencies and provide life-saving care to those in need.
Beyond road safety, the advisory also touched on food and environmental hygiene during the Sallah feasts. With the recent reports of Lassa fever in some states, NEMSAS has urged families to ensure proper storage of food items and maintain clean surroundings to deter rodents. Gopedia Media’s health desk notes that the government is also monitoring public gatherings for any signs of disease outbreaks, particularly in areas with high population density. The goal of this safety campaign is to ensure that the joy of the Eid celebration is not marred by preventable tragedies. As Nigerians enjoy the public holidays, the collective effort to follow these safety guidelines will determine the overall success of the national emergency response plan. NEMSAS remains committed to strengthening the healthcare system and providing timely medical assistance to all Nigerians, ensuring that every citizen feels secure during this season of celebration and beyond.