The National Orientation Agency has partnered with the International Committee of the Red Cross to launch a nationwide awareness campaign on the compulsory treatment of gunshot victims in Nigeria.
The collaboration was formalised during a meeting at the NOA headquarters in Abuja, where the Director-General of NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, was represented by the Director of Social Mobilisation, Ayoola Olufemi.
According to a statement shared on the agency’s official X platform, the campaign aims to educate Nigerians about the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act, which was signed into law in 2017.
Olufemi stressed that delays in treating gunshot victims often lead to preventable deaths, noting that many Nigerians are unaware that hospitals are legally required to provide immediate treatment before requesting police reports, administrative documentation, or financial guarantees.
He added that the NOA’s nationwide network of 818 offices positions the agency to effectively lead the sensitisation campaign and ensure citizens understand their rights under the law.
Speaking on behalf of the ICRC, James Matthew commended the partnership and highlighted the importance of raising awareness among citizens, healthcare workers, and communities.
Matthew said the collaboration would help ensure that gunshot victims receive prompt medical care, especially during emergencies.
The event was attended by several officials from both organisations, including NOA’s Director of Legal, Dogo Williams, and Meriam Yakubu.
Members of the ICRC delegation present included Juliet Kelechi Unudi, alongside representatives from the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, News Agency of Nigeria, Armed Forces Radio, Science Newspaper, and Daily Trust.
Officials said the campaign is expected to improve public knowledge of the law, encourage prompt medical intervention, and ultimately save lives across the country.
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