NMA FCT threatens strike over dismissal of 3 doctors at National Hospital

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the management of the National Hospital, Abuja, demanding the reinstatement of three doctors who were allegedly dismissed after working as casual staff for three years.

In a memo dated June 13, 2025, and addressed to the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Muhammad Mahmud, the NMA warned that doctors at the hospital would begin a total and indefinite strike from June 30, if the affected doctors are not reinstated. Furthermore, if the issue remains unresolved after seven days of the initial action, the strike will be expanded to include all NMA members across the FCT.

The memo, titled “Notice of 14 Days Strike Ultimatum for Vehemently Refusing to Reinstate Our Disengaged Members”, was signed by NMA FCT Chairman, Dr. Ayogu Emeka, and Assistant Secretary, Dr. Usman Hafiz. It followed a resolution made at the association’s Ordinary General Meeting on June 11, 2025.

The NMA accused the hospital management of “selective victimisation and scapegoating,” alleging that three consultants were singled out from a group of 30 doctors who were employed under similar conditions.

“It has become imperative to formally communicate our decision regarding the disengagement of our members who served as locum consultants for three years without justification,” the memo stated.

The association said several peaceful efforts, including advocacy visits by senior NMA officials and direct appeals from national and FCT executives, had been ignored by hospital management.

“These included visits from the NMA President, Dr. Bala M. Audu, and a high-level advocacy committee composed of respected senior doctors. All efforts aimed at resolving the issue amicably have yielded no positive response,” the NMA lamented.

Beyond the individual cases, the NMA linked the issue to broader challenges facing Nigeria’s health sector, including mass emigration of medical professionals and severe staffing shortages.

The group warned that the dismissal of trained doctors would further compound the burden on remaining personnel.

“The disengagement contributes to worsening mental health, economic hardship, and job insecurity among doctors, reducing morale and productivity across the board,” it said.

The NMA stressed that the strike notice, which begins June 15 and runs through June 29, was a last resort after exhausting all peaceful avenues.

“We deeply regret taking this step, but we must act to protect our members and ensure fair treatment. If no action is taken by June 30, our members in National Hospital, Abuja, will begin an indefinite strike, and the entire FCT branch will join a week later,” the association warned.

In response, the management of the National Hospital, Abuja, has denied any dismissal of medical staff.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Head of Information and Protocol Management, Maijamaa Adamu, stated that no doctor currently employed by the hospital had been laid off.

“We categorically deny the allegation. The hospital has not contemplated laying off any of its staff, particularly doctors and consultants whose services are indispensable,” Adamu said.

He added that the hospital is, in fact, undergoing a fresh recruitment exercise, recently approved by the Federal Government, to hire more doctors and nurses. The process, he noted, is being conducted transparently by a panel involving relevant agencies and ministries.

While the NMA insists on reinstatement of the affected doctors, the hospital maintains that no dismissal took place — a standoff that now threatens to disrupt healthcare services in the FCT if left unresolved.