The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Global Gases Group, a leading provider of industrial and medical gases, to establish plants for the production of liquefied medical oxygen in the country.
This significant development was announced by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday. He described the partnership as a transformative step for Nigeria’s healthcare system, aligning with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII).
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has defined oxygen as an essential medicine, crucial for treating respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and pneumonia, as well as for surgeries and trauma care. Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, and newborns regularly need oxygen. However, WHO also noted that oxygen systems require consistent power supplies and maintenance to function effectively.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Professor Pate tweeted, “We are excited to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Global Gases Group, led by Mr. Deepak Mehta, to establish gas plants for the production of liquefied medical oxygen in Nigeria. This collaboration aims to ensure a steady and reliable supply of high-quality medical oxygen across the country.”
He highlighted the strategic significance of this partnership, stating, “This partnership is a game changer for Nigeria and the subregion and directly aligns with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (#NHSRII) and the President’s Executive Order to unlock the healthcare value chain.”
The planned facilities, each with the capacity to produce 100 tons of medical oxygen per day, will be strategically located in three urban clusters in the North and South of Nigeria in the first phase. This will enhance the accessibility of medical oxygen to a broader population, meeting both current and future demands.
The MoU outlines several key commitments from both parties. Global Gases Group will complete feasibility studies and business case development, invest in technology, gas storage, and distribution infrastructure, and provide necessary training and development for the project.
By utilizing cryogenic air separation technology, the plants will offer a sustainable, affordable, accessible, and scalable solution for medical-grade oxygen production. This technology ensures higher purity levels (greater than 99.5%) and reliability compared to traditional methods.
“The project will also lay the groundwork for a more resilient and responsive healthcare system capable of withstanding future challenges such as pandemics,” Professor Pate added. “Importantly, it will contribute to local skill development and job creation.”
Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, Pate noted the severe oxygen shortages that affected many Nigerians and ECOWAS citizens. He extended heartfelt thanks to the leadership of Global Gases and Dr. Abdul Mukhtar of the Presidential Value Chain Initiative for their pivotal roles in making this partnership a reality.
