In a landmark development for healthcare delivery in Kogi State and surrounding regions, the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, has received a state-of-the-art multi-slice CT scan machine, donated and installed by the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) company.
This critical intervention marks a major upgrade in the hospital’s diagnostic capabilities and is set to significantly reduce emergency-related deaths caused by delayed diagnoses.
The donation—accompanied by a backup generator and advanced imaging suite accessories—was facilitated through the efforts of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, under the Federal Government’s Human Capital Development and Institutional Strengthening Programme. The project was executed in collaboration with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
Positioned along vital highway corridors connecting Nigeria’s North and South, the Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja serves as a lifeline for thousands of accident victims and critically ill patients. Until now, patients needing CT scans were routinely referred to Abuja—over two hours away—often resulting in tragic delays.
“This is a game-changer for the hospital, for the state, and for the country,” said Dr. Olatunde Alabi, Chief Medical Director of the hospital.
“We can now respond swiftly to emergencies, improve patient care, support research, and enhance the training of medical personnel.”
For years, the hospital had struggled to acquire a CT machine due to insufficient budget allocations and failed public-private partnerships. The radiology suite, though constructed to global standards, remained idle until NLNG stepped in with the equipment and technical support.
The CT scan unit is now fully operational, managed by a team of five radiologists and five radiographers, including one who received specialized training in India. A revolving fund has also been set up by the hospital to ensure long-term maintenance, training, and sustainability of the facility.
“In just two weeks of operation, nearly every department has benefited from the scan,” noted Dr. Patricia, a senior hospital official.
“We used to refer patients to Abuja or Ilorin. Sadly, some never made it. This gift has already begun saving lives.”
Inspecting the facility last week, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan praised NLNG for its generosity and reaffirmed her commitment to improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
“This intervention speaks to the rising health needs of our people. I thank NLNG and NCDMB for this timely support,” she said.
Dr. Patricia further expressed deep gratitude to Senator Natasha for her role in facilitating the project.
“The creator of the lives you have touched will continue to protect you. We will always count on your support,” she said emotionally.
The donation by NLNG forms part of its corporate social responsibility and its broader mission to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure.
As the hospital begins to operate with its newly installed CT scan, this milestone not only signals improved emergency healthcare in Lokoja but also sets a new benchmark for strategic public-private collaborations in Nigeria’s health sector.