Akwa Ibom Outlaws Ambulances for Corpses

​The Akwa Ibom State Government has officially criminalized the use of ambulances to transport dead bodies for burial across the state, warning that violating vehicles will be promptly impounded.

​Announcing the sweeping health sector reform during a media briefing in Uyo, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, stated that emergency medical vehicles are strictly meant for the living and pose a public health hazard when deployed for funeral processions. He emphasized that specialized hearses remain the only lawful option for conveying human remains.

​The prohibition applies universally to state-owned, privately managed, and religious mission-operated ambulances. According to the administration of Governor Umo Eno, the measure coincides with the legal formalization of the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Medical Service Ambulance System.

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​Authorities have empowered enforcement officers to intercept and seize non-compliant vehicles on transit. Alongside this ban, the state government has transmitted roughly nine complementary health bills—addressing hospital governance, public safety, and minimum operational standards—to the House of Assembly.