‘It’s anomaly to compromise doctors’ welfare in Nigeria’ — FCT NMA

Dr. George Ebong, the Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association's FCT Chapter, addressed the 2026 NMA National Executive Council meeting in Abuja, emphasizing that it is an anomaly to compromise the welfare of doctors in Nigeria. He called upon the Nigerian government at all levels to prioritize doctors' welfare to enable them to deliver services without hindrance. Dr. Ebong stated, "The welfare of doctors cannot be compromised to save the medical profession. It is an anomaly."

Prof. Afekhide-Ernest Omoti, the National President of the NMA, urged doctors to demonstrate accountability in their duties. He noted that doctors cannot continue to demand accountability from the government while failing to practice the same within their own association, stating, "The NMA cannot demand accountability from the government, employers and healthcare institutions while refusing to practise accountability within our own association."

Dr. Kamil Shoretire, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, delivered a keynote speech at the meeting. He highlighted that the Federal Government requires the ongoing support of doctors to tackle the issue of healthcare professional migration, often referred to as the 'Japa' syndrome. Dr. Shoretire emphasized, "They also need the support of the government to continue to excel, especially in the face of the ‘Japa’ syndrome.

A lot of our medical professionals, especially doctors and nurses, have left the shores of this country."