FIC Report (Edo State) – The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has set a new national standard by successfully delivering and activating 10 tons of Medical-grade Liquid Oxygen, a feat that signifies a major advancement in Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure. This achievement is part of the ongoing Federal Government–Global Fund (GF) Oxygen Support Initiative, aimed at improving oxygen availability across the country’s tertiary hospitals.
The milestone was officially recorded on Friday, October 24, 2025, under the visionary leadership of UBTH’s Chief Medical Director, Professor Idia Nibokun Ize-Iyamu. The project’s successful execution was supervised by Mr. Ibeke E. Francis from the Federal Ministry of Health’s Oxygen Desk, alongside representatives from the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), and APEX Gas. Their combined efforts facilitated the delivery of what is now the largest single supply of liquid oxygen to a Nigerian hospital, equivalent to approximately 700 large oxygen cylinders.
This substantial Oxygen supply underscores UBTH’s commitment to enhancing emergency preparedness and routine medical care, especially amid the critical need for reliable Oxygen Infrastructure across Nigeria. The delivery marks a significant step toward strengthening the hospital’s capacity to provide uninterrupted, high-quality care and represents a strategic move to reduce operational costs while increasing service efficiency.
The recent achievement is particularly notable given that UBTH’s Oxygen Infrastructure had faced neglect for over two years. Under Prof. Ize-Iyamu’s decisive leadership, the hospital successfully revived its long-abandoned oxygen project, transforming it into a model of innovation, resilience, and accountability. The new liquid oxygen system now complements the hospital’s existing two oxygen gas plants, creating a more robust, reliable, and cost-effective oxygen supply network.
Expressing her appreciation, Prof. Ize-Iyamu highlighted the importance of this milestone as a national benchmark in healthcare delivery. “This 10-ton liquid oxygen shipment not only enhances our capacity but also demonstrates Nigeria’s progress in strengthening critical health infrastructure through strategic partnerships,” she said. She emphasized that this delivery is just the first of three scheduled supplies under the Global Fund-supported initiative, with plans to sustain and expand oxygen availability across Nigeria’s health facilities.
Senior Medical Officials, including the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Professor Stanley Okugbo, and Deputy CMAC (Clinicals), Dr. Philip Osho, also commended the achievement, describing it as a major step forward in resource optimization and hospital efficiency.
UBTH’s successful delivery and activation of the LOX system at UBTH have garnered national recognition, positioning the hospital as a model for other Nigerian health institutions. The initiative not only bolsters emergency response capacity but also exemplifies how visionary leadership and strategic collaborations can turn around long-standing infrastructural challenges.
This landmark accomplishment underscores Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure, ensure consistent access to essential medical resources, and ultimately, improve patient outcomes across the nation. UBTH’s achievement stands as a testament to what can be accomplished through dedicated leadership, innovative thinking, and strong partnership networks.
Signed
Egwaoje Amarachi Linda
ACI&PRO
FIC, Benin
October 24th, 2025
