The National Orientation Agency and the International Committee of the Red Cross have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to launch a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about the compulsory treatment of gunshot victims in Nigeria.
The agreement, signed at the NOA headquarters, aims to educate the public on the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act.
The law requires hospitals to provide immediate medical care to gunshot victims before requesting police reports, administrative documents or financial guarantees.
NOA’s Director of Social Mobilisation, Ayoola Olufemi, said delays in treating gunshot victims often lead to preventable deaths.
He noted that the agency’s network of about 818 offices nationwide will be used to drive the awareness campaign.
Olufemi said many Nigerians are still unaware of their rights under the law and stressed that the campaign will help citizens, healthcare providers and communities understand the requirement for immediate care.
The Deputy Head of the ICRC in Nigeria, James Matthew, praised the partnership and said gunshot victims often face delays in receiving urgent medical attention.
He added that the collaboration will use the reach of the NOA to educate the public and encourage timely medical intervention.
Officials present at the signing included NOA’s Director of Legal, Dogo Williams, and Meriam Yakubu, while the ICRC delegation also included Humanitarian Affairs Adviser Juliet Kelechi Unudi.
The campaign is expected to strengthen awareness of the law and improve emergency response for gunshot victims across Nigeria.
