The Lagos State Government has deployed 10 Motorcycle Response Unit (MRU) ambulances to cut emergency response times and overcome traffic bottlenecks across the state.
The motorcycles, popularly known as ambulance bikes, were handed over to the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) on the directive of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Speaking at the commissioning in Alausa, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, said the initiative reflects Lagos State’s leadership in healthcare delivery and emergency preparedness.
She explained that the bikes were designed to navigate congested roads, narrow streets, and hard-to-reach areas, making them ideal for quick interventions where “minutes can determine survival.”
Manned by trained paramedics, the MRUs are equipped with essential medical gadgets including defibrillators, oxygen tanks, nebulisers, glucometers, and first-aid tools. The paramedics have also been trained to administer CPR, stop bleeding, give IV fluids, and stabilise patients before fully equipped ambulances arrive.
Ogunyemi described the project as cost-effective compared to traditional ambulances, yet highly efficient for Lagos’ peculiar traffic challenges. She said Sanwo-Olu approved the project after reviewing supporting data that highlighted the need for faster interventions in emergencies.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Olusegun Ogboye, said the motorcycles form part of a five-year master plan to transform pre-hospital emergency care. He explained that they complement the state’s existing fleet of ambulances, boat ambulances, and future plans for helicopters.
According to him, “the process is a synergy, bikes beat traffic, paramedics save lives on the spot, and ambulances complete the evacuation.” He added that the MRUs are fully integrated into LASAMBUS’ communication platforms, enabling dispatchers to decide whether to send a bike, an ambulance, or both.
Director of LASAMBUS, Mrs Beatrice Makinde, hailed the initiative as a long-awaited innovation and “a game-changer” for emergency services in Lagos.
She said traffic delays had long undermined response times, but the ambulance bikes will now provide faster access to victims, improve survival chances, and save more lives.
Makinde added that the motorcycles are versatile and can be deployed in places ambulances cannot reach, such as narrow streets, crowded event venues, and off-road locations. She assured residents that LASAMBUS paramedics were fully trained to operate the units and deliver quality pre-hospital care.
