NBSA DG Makes Unscheduled Visit to Kaduna Centre, Restores Screening Capacity After Two-Year Lull
The Director-General of the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA), Professor Saleh Yuguda, on Friday morning made an unscheduled visit to the Kaduna Zonal Centre, marking his first official visit to the facility since assuming office over a year ago.
The DG, who was accompanied by key members of the agency’s leadership, including the Head of Administration, Director of Blood Services, Head of the Abuja Operational Centre, Head of Hemovigilance and Hospital Linkage, and his Technical Assistant, was received by the Acting Zonal Director, Dr. Peter Maiyaki.
During the visit, the DG and his team inspected ongoing and recently completed projects, notably a newly installed solar power system and a fully functional Abbott screening machine. The activation of the machine restores blood screening capabilities to the Kaduna centre for the first time in over two and a half years—a development that could significantly enhance the agency’s operational effectiveness in the region.
In a staff meeting held after the facility tour, Professor Yuguda commended the punctuality and work ethic of the Kaduna staff, expressing satisfaction with the centre’s cleanliness and general upkeep. He encouraged the staff to maintain high standards in workplace safety and hygiene.
More notably, the DG pledged to prioritize staff welfare and remuneration, a longstanding concern across the agency. He fielded questions and addressed suggestions from staff members in what was described as a frank and engaging session.
Dr. Maiyaki, in his closing remarks, thanked the DG for the visit and assured him of the Kaduna centre’s continued commitment to the agency’s mandate. He also wished the visiting team a safe journey back to Abuja.
The NBSA, a key institution under Nigeria’s healthcare framework, is tasked with ensuring the provision of safe, quality, and affordable blood and blood products across the country. The Kaduna visit, though unannounced, signals a renewed commitment by the agency’s leadership to frontline engagement and infrastructure revitalization.
