The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with IHS Nigeria and the Canadian and Norwegian governments, on Tuesday inaugurated and handed over a medical oxygen plant to the Kano State Government at the Muhammadu Buhari Specialist Hospital.
Mr Dapo Otunla, the Vice President of IHS Nigeria, who represented the Chief Executive Officer of the company, said the facility was part of a nationwide project to strengthen oxygen supply for hospitals.
He said the plant, which is equipped with an advanced pressure swing absorption system, would provide critical life-saving interventions for newborns and children suffering from respiratory illnesses. “What we witnessed today is the product of a partnership we announced with UNICEF in 2022 to strengthen oxygen supply for the treatment of pneumonia, COVID-19, and other hypoxia disorders, particularly among newborns and pregnant women,” he added.
“The programme has seen to the installation of nine oxygen plants across Nigeria in Rivers, Bauchi, Kaduna, Ebonyi, Cross River, Yobe, and Kano States,” Otunla said.
According to him, the plants became operational in March 2024 and have so far produced more than 103,000 litres of medical oxygen, serving an estimated 1,500 to 2,500 patients monthly.
He explained that beyond the infrastructure, the programme also built capacity by training healthcare workers to administer oxygen therapy safely and efficiently.
“For us at IHS Nigeria, sustainability and societal impact are at the very core of our DNA.
“This initiative not only strengthens healthcare systems but also demonstrates the power of collaboration in advancing SDG 3—good health and well-being,” Otunla said.
He also recalled that IHS Nigeria had recently refurbished the vandalised Digital Park in Kano, describing the oxygen plant project as another testament to the company’s commitment to improving lives.
Earlier, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Mrs. Wafaa Sa’eed, commended IHS Nigeria, the Governments of Canada and Norway, and other partners for their support.
Saeed described oxygen as “a life-saving matter” and said the project would greatly benefit children and patients in need of critical care.
“This project is fantastic, not only because of its health impact, but also because it runs on solar energy.
“At a time when climate change and high fuel costs are challenges, the solarisation makes it more sustainable,” she said.
The UNICEF representative lauded the Kano State Government for its leadership and commitment to health and education, stressing that human capital development remained the foundation of prosperity.
She assured that UNICEF and its partners would continue to work with governments to expand the initiative to more states.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran, commended UNICEF and partners for the gesture.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Aminu Bashir, he also restated the commitment of the state government to improving healthcare delivery.
