Saleh Yuguda, director-general of the National Blood Service Agency, has sought continued legislative support for safer blood services across the country.

Mr Yuguda made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, on Tuesday in Abuja.

He commended the Speaker for his pivotal role in sponsoring the bill that led to the establishment of the NBSA. He noted that the law had redefined Nigeria’s approach to blood safety and transfusion services.

According to him, without Mr Abbas’ sponsorship and commitment, the agency might not have attained its current legal and institutional status.

The director-general also solicited the speaker’s continued support in driving the next phase of reforms within the agency, including enhanced funding, policy backing, and legislative frameworks to further strengthen blood services.

He highlighted the agency’s ongoing efforts to promote voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation and to establish state and zonal centres to meet Nigeria’s growing transfusion needs.

Responding, Mr Abbas expressed delight at the progress made by the agency since its establishment and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the NBSA in its mission to save lives.

He restated that access to safe blood remains a crucial component of public health and assured that the House would continue to support initiatives that strengthen the nation’s healthcare system.

The meeting ended on a positive note, with both parties pledging closer collaboration between the legislature and the NBSA to promote a culture of voluntary blood donation and ensure that no Nigerian loses their life due to lack of safe blood.

(NAN)