Advancing the science and practice of anaesthesia across Nigeria since our founding.
A Nigeria where every patient receives safe, high-quality anaesthesia and critical care, delivered by ethical, well-trained anaesthetists.
To unite anaesthetists across Nigeria under one professional body dedicated to the growth, safety, and recognition of the specialty - advancing education, research, advocacy, and collaboration for the good of every Nigerian patient.
The Nigerian Society of Anaesthetists (NSA) was founded to unite anaesthetists across Nigeria under one professional body dedicated to the growth, safety, and recognition of the specialty.
From inception, the Society set out with one clear aim: the development and advancement of all aspects of Anaesthesia in Nigeria.
To achieve this, the NSA has remained committed to:
Upholding rigorous clinical standards so every patient receives safe, high-quality anaesthesia care.
Equipping anaesthetists at every career stage through structured, ongoing professional development.
Advancing the science of anaesthesia in Nigeria through locally relevant research.
Shaping policy and public understanding of safe anaesthesia and pain relief.
Bringing anaesthetists together across all six geopolitical zones and beyond.
Supporting the wellbeing and professional interests of our members nationwide.
The NSA traces its roots to the Society of Anaesthetists of West Africa (SAWA), inaugurated on 8th January 1965 at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana, during the fifth Annual General Meeting of the Association of Surgeons of West Africa. Professor Gordon, at the 1964 World Congress of Anaesthesiologists in São Paulo, had persuaded the World Federation to authorize membership for regional societies in situations where the number of anaesthesiologists was too few to support a national society. The society was later registered in Lagos, Nigeria, on Saturday 29 July 1966 and was admitted as a member of WFSA on 11 August 1966. Professor Shirley Fleming became the first President of SAWA, while Prof Gordon was elected Honorary President. The SAWA Executive Committee members elected at the Regional Annual Meeting on the 12 January 1967, at the University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, were Prof Shirley Fleming (Lagos), President; Dr Amao Oduro (Accra), 1st Vice President; Dr L. Beckham (Ibadan), 2nd Vice President; Dr Joseph Sodipo Jr (Lagos), Secretary/ Treasurer; Dr Samuel Odutan (Ibadan); Dr Tagoe (Freetown); and Dr Boetang (Accra). The Nigerian branch of SAWA, composed mainly of Lagos and Ibadan members, held its first meeting on 22 April 1967, at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Western State (now Oyo State).
The NSA was formally launched at the Old Great Hall of College of Medicine, University of Lagos, in 1979. The initial attempt at having a national society could not be sustained; therefore, a reinauguration was required in 1992. The President at the reinauguration of the NSA was Dr Christopher Famewo, while Dr Olaniyi Oladapo became the Secretary. To allow national societies to grow, SAWA was later dissolved in 1999. The President of SAWA at its last meeting in Nigeria was Prof Olaitan Soyannwo. Membership was open to all Physician Anaesthetists in the six geopolitical regions of Nigeria. It was also extended to Nigerian Anaesthesiologists in the diaspora.
To maintain standards, the NSA currently assists in organizing update lectures, seminars, and workshops for non physician anaesthetists who are mostly anaesthetic nurses in the various zones of the country. Forming regional zones led by anaesthesia zonal representatives has prioritized inclusiveness and equity. The stewardship, proven by past and current presidents of the NSA, affirms that legacy is not just what is remembered but how it is remembered. The Annual General Meeting of the society takes place regularly in the last week of November (since 1996) and has been hosted in all the six zones in Nigeria. Mentorship has been the heartbeat of Nigerian anaesthesia. Generations of clinicians have nurtured emerging leaders, creating a legacy of excellence and empathy, exemplifying this continuum—mentored by seasoned professionals and now mentoring others in turn.
The NSA, in collaboration with WFSA and ARS, hosted the 6th AAAC in Abuja, Nigeria, from 19 to 24 November 2017. This was organized by Dr Olagbale Solanke, Chairman of the 6th AAAC Abuja Local Organizing Committee; Major Gen Obashina Ogunbiyi, the Scientific Convenor and Chairman of the Scientific Committee; and Dr Bisola Onajin-Obembe, the Conference President. This was the first congress to be held in West Africa, attracting delegates from Africa, Europe, USA, China, and New Zealand.
Engagement of Nigerians in committees of WFSA has increased. In 2024-2026, Nigerians are serving in the following: