The National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a nationwide sensitisation campaign on the compulsory treatment of gunshot victims in Nigeria.
The signing took place at NOA Headquarters, where the Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, was represented by the Director of Health and Social Care, Dr Ayoola Olufemi. Dr Ayoola emphasised the need for the partnership, noting that many Nigerians remain unaware of the Compulsory Treatment and Care of Victims of Gunshots Act, signed into law in 2017. He highlighted that delays in medical attention for gunshot victims can be fatal and that the law mandates hospitals to provide immediate care before any administrative or financial procedures.
Dr Ayoola further stressed that NOA’s extensive network of 818 offices nationwide positions the Agency to effectively reach a broad audience, ensuring that the public is fully informed about the law.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Head of the ICRC in Nigeria, Mr James Matthews, commended NOA for the collaboration, noting that timely medical intervention is often delayed for gunshot victims. He added that leveraging NOA’s nationwide presence will help educate Nigerians and save lives in critical situations.
The NOA delegation at the MoU signing included Dr Ayoola Olufemi, Director of Legal Barrister Dogo Williams, and Barrister Meriam Yakubu, among others. The ICRC team comprised Mr James Matthews, Deputy Head Nigeria, Mrs Juliet Kelechi Unubi, Humanitarian Affairs Advisor, and representatives from major media outlets including Radio Nigeria (FRCN), Science Newspaper, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Armed Forces Radio, and Daily Trust.
