Nigeria, with a population exceeding 200 million, faces significant challenges in providing effective emergency medical services (EMS). The country’s EMS infrastructure is underdeveloped, characterized by limited ambulance availability, inadequate communication systems, and a shortage of trained emergency personnel. For instance, Nigeria has only 0.4 ambulances per 100,000 people, far below the World Health Organization’s recommendation.
Despite these challenges, efforts have been made to improve the EMS in Nigeria. The National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), launched by the Federal Ministry of Health, aims to coordinate EMS across the country, integrating services from various stakeholders, including state ministries, private organizations, and non-governmental organizations.
In recent years, private and mission-based ambulance services have emerged to fill the gaps in emergency care. These organizations offer a range of services, from basic life support to advanced medical interventions, often operating 24/7 and covering both urban and rural areas.
This article highlights the top 10 ambulance service providers in Nigeria, focusing on their contributions to enhancing emergency medical care nationwide.
1. Emergency Response Africa (ERA)
- Phone: 08000-2255-372 (Toll-Free)
- Email: contact@emergencyresponseafrica.com
- Website: https://www.emergencyresponseafrica.com
- Location: Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Abeokuta, Kaduna, and other major Nigerian cities.
Emergency Response Africa is widely recognized as Nigeria’s leading tech-enabled ambulance network, offering fast, coordinated medical response across several states. What sets ERA apart is its digital dispatch system that connects users in real-time to the nearest available ambulance, trained medical personnel, and emergency-ready hospitals.
The platform’s innovations include GPS tracking, app-based and toll-free access, centralized command systems, and partnerships with both public and private hospitals. ERA is also integrated with HMOs and corporate health plans, making it easier for individuals and organizations to plan for emergencies.
With its 24/7 availability and professional emergency medical technicians (EMTs), ERA continues to close the critical gap between crisis and care in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.
Services Offered:
- 24/7 emergency ambulance dispatch via mobile app and toll-free line
- Rapid response through GPS-enabled tracking of ambulances and responders
- On-site stabilization of patients by trained medics and First Responders
- Basic and Advanced Life Support (BLS/ALS) administered en route
- Seamless coordination with emergency-ready hospitals for smooth patient transfer
- Non-emergency medical transport for vulnerable or recovering patients
- Development of personalized emergency response plans for families and businesses
- Corporate emergency health programs and simulations for staff preparedness
2. Flying Doctors Nigeria
- Email: emergency@flyingdoctorsnigeria.com
- Location: Headquartered in Lagos; services available across Nigeria and West Africa
Flying Doctors Nigeria is West Africa’s first indigenous air ambulance service and one of the most respected names in emergency medical evacuation. Flying Doctors has redefined pre-hospital care in Nigeria through its focus on air rescue, rapid medical evacuation, and VIP emergency care.
While best known for its air ambulances, the organization also operates well-equipped ground ambulances for city and intercity transfers. Their clientele includes corporate organizations, oil and gas firms, governments, and individuals seeking high-quality critical care transport.
Flying Doctors combines advanced life support systems, trained medical escorts, and international evacuation logistics, making it the go-to provider for complex emergencies and cross-border medical needs.
Services Offered:
- Air and ground ambulance services
- Emergency medical evacuation (domestic and international)
- ICU-equipped transport with onboard medics
- Corporate medical cover and remote site response
- Health logistics and mobile clinic deployment
3. Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS)
- Email: health@lagosstate.gov.ng
- Location: 14 Agbaoku Street, Ikeja, Lagos
The Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) established in March 2001 is a government-operated emergency medical service under the Lagos State Ministry of Health. As part of the broader Lagos State Emergency Medical Services (LASEMS), LASAMBUS provides pre-hospital care and ambulance services across Lagos State.
LASAMBUS operates a network of ambulance points strategically located throughout the state to ensure prompt response to medical emergencies. The service is equipped to handle various emergencies, including road traffic accidents, medical crises, and disaster situations. By dialing the toll-free numbers 767 or 112, residents can access immediate ambulance services.
Services Offered:
- 24/7 emergency ambulance dispatch via toll-free numbers 767 or 112
- Pre-hospital care by trained medical personnel
- Basic Life Support (BLS) services
- Strategic deployment of ambulances across Lagos State
- Coordination with hospitals for patient transfer
- Response to road traffic accidents and disaster situations
4. St. Nicholas Hospital Ambulance Services
- Email: info@saintnicholashospital.com
- Location: 57 Campbell Street, Lagos Island, Lagos
St. Nicholas Hospital is one of Nigeria’s most reputable private healthcare institutions, known for its high standards in medical care. Established in 1968, the hospital operates a well-equipped ambulance service that provides timely and professional pre-hospital care across Lagos and nearby areas.
The ambulance service is supported by a team of experienced emergency medical technicians (EMTs), paramedics, and nurses trained to manage critical care situations. St. Nicholas Hospital is often the first choice for patients seeking high-quality private emergency transport due to its reputation and clinical excellence.
Their ambulances are outfitted with both Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) equipment, including cardiac monitors, oxygen delivery systems, and other life-saving tools.
Services Offered:
- 24/7 ground ambulance services across Lagos
- Pre-hospital care by trained paramedics
- Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) options
- Inter-facility patient transfer
- Emergency call dispatch with triage support
- Private subscription and corporate retainership plans
5. E-Health Africa Ambulance Services
- Email: info@ehealthafrica.org
- Location: Kano, Abuja, and other project-supported areas
E-Health Africa (eHA) is a health-focused NGO that operates across Nigeria, with a notable presence in the northern regions. Although better known for its public health and technology initiatives, eHA also provides ambulance services as part of its emergency response and epidemic control programs, especially during outbreaks or humanitarian emergencies.
The organization partners with local governments and international agencies to deliver emergency medical transportation using a combination of land ambulances and mobile clinics. eHA’s ambulance services often support maternal health emergencies, disease surveillance responses, and other life-threatening conditions in hard-to-reach areas.
Their vehicles are fitted with essential life-saving equipment and are manned by trained medics capable of providing pre-hospital care during urgent missions.
Services Offered:
- Emergency ambulance services during public health crises
- Maternal and child emergency transport in underserved communities
- Deployment of mobile health units for rural and remote areas
- Training and capacity building for local emergency medical teams
- Collaboration with government hospitals for patient referrals and transfers
- On-demand ambulance support for health campaigns and disaster relief
6. Reddington Air Ambulance Service
- Email: info@reddingtonhospital.com
- Location: 12 Idowu Martins Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
Reddington Air Ambulance Service, operated by the Reddington Hospital Group, offers high-level medical evacuation and ambulance support within Nigeria and across borders. It is one of the few private hospital-based air ambulance services in the country, designed for patients who need urgent or complex care during air transport.
The service includes both fixed-wing aircraft and ground ambulances, equipped with ICU-grade life support systems and staffed by doctors, nurses, and critical care paramedics. Reddington is also accredited to handle international medical evacuations, working closely with embassies and insurance firms.
Services Offered:
- Air ambulance evacuation (domestic and international)
- Ground ambulance services in Lagos and surrounding areas
- Critical care in transit with ICU equipment
- Medical escorts for commercial flights
- Inter-hospital coordination and repatriation support
7. Anambra State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (ASEMSAS)
The Anambra State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (ASEMSAS) was launched in May 2023 as a state-led initiative to provide centralized and accessible emergency medical response across all 21 LGAs in Anambra. Operated under the Ministry of Health, the system uses the national 112 hotline to coordinate emergency dispatch and connect callers with the nearest available ambulance.
ASEMSAS ambulances are stationed at strategic locations, including government hospitals and high-risk areas, and are staffed by trained EMTs. The system is designed to offer equitable access to both urban and underserved rural populations.
Services Offered:
- 24/7 toll-free emergency ambulance dispatch via 112
- Trauma and maternal emergency support
- Inter-hospital transfers and referrals
- Government-subsidized ambulance access for the public
- Collaboration with national and international health organizations for continuous improvement
8. SURJEN Healthcare Ambulance Services
- Email: info@surjen.com
- Location: Abuja, Lagos, and nationwide coverage
SURJEN Healthcare is a digital health platform offering a wide range of medical services in Nigeria, including on-demand ambulance dispatch, medical tourism, and specialist bookings. Its ambulance service is tech-enabled, allowing users to book ground transport through their website or phone support across multiple cities in Nigeria.
SURJEN partners with certified ambulance operators and hospitals to deliver prompt, safe, and professional patient transport for both emergencies and scheduled care. Their model focuses on bridging the gap between patients and accessible healthcare services using a modern, digital-first approach.
Services Offered:
- 24/7 emergency ambulance dispatch
- Basic and Advanced Life Support ambulances
- Medical escort services for domestic and international travel
- Integration with home healthcare services, including lab tests and consultations
- Medical tourism facilitation to countries like India, Dubai, Egypt, Turkey, and Germany
- Online booking and real-time tracking of ambulance services
- Trained medical personnel, including paramedics and nurses
9. Medical Ambulance Services Limited
- Email: contactus@medicalambulanceservices.com
- Location: The Waterside, 5 Admiralty Road, Off Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos
Medical Ambulance Services Limited (MASL) is a private emergency medical provider offering both ground and air ambulance services across Nigeria. Headquartered in Lagos, MASL is known for its swift response, well-equipped emergency vehicles, and commitment to international standards of medical evacuation. The company caters to individual, corporate, and governmental clients, with a strong focus on critical care transport and medical tourism support.
In addition to emergency transportation, MASL also supplies medical equipment and offers patient repatriation services. Their ambulances are equipped for Basic and Advanced Life Support, and their air ambulance fleet is staffed by trained paramedics capable of delivering high-level care during transit.
Services Offered:
- 24/7 ground ambulance services within Lagos and other Nigerian cities
- Domestic and international air ambulance services
- Pre-hospital emergency care by trained medics and paramedics
- Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) transport
- Medical evacuation and repatriation services
- Medical tourism and reverse medical tourism coordination
10. Swift Air Ambulance Services Limited
- Email: info@swiftairambulance.com
- Location: 40 Tunis Street, Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory
Swift Air Ambulance Services Limited specializes in domestic and international medical evacuations, offering fast, professional air transport for critical and time-sensitive cases. Based in Lagos, the company operates with a team of trained flight medics, paramedics, and support staff experienced in managing complex patient transfers.
Their aircraft are equipped to support Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) services during flight. Swift Air also handles bed-to-bed transfers, collaborating with both local and foreign hospitals to ensure continuity of care.
Services Offered:
- Domestic and international air ambulance evacuations
- ICU-equipped aircraft with medical escort
- Bed-to-bed patient transfer coordination
- Ground ambulance connection to the airfield
- 24/7 medical evacuation support
Before you choose an ambulance provider, consider what truly matters in a crisis: speed, skill, coordination, and trust. The providers listed here represent some of the best efforts in Nigeria to close the life-threatening gaps in emergency care. Whether it’s a state-run service or a tech-enabled network, the right ambulance service can mean the difference between life and loss.
Conclusion
Emergency medical services in Nigeria are evolving and so should our mindset. The rise of trained responders, mobile coordination platforms, and state-supported systems shows that the country is moving toward a more reliable emergency care network.
Still, the decision to act rests with you. Whether you live in a busy city or a quiet rural town, having a trusted ambulance partner is essential.
Emergency Response Africa stands ready with 24/7 access, digital dispatch, trained medics, and seamless hospital coordination. Call 080002255372 (toll-free) or email contact@emergencyresponseafrica.com to secure ambulance coverage for your home, business, or community today. Because in an emergency, who you call first can change everything.