By Ayomide Otitoju
The Federal Capital Territory branch 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 dismissed doctors.
In a memo dated June 13, 2025, the association warned that its members would embark on an indefinite strike from June 30 if the affected doctors, who were reportedly casualised as locum consultants for three years, are not reinstated.
Signed by NMA FCT Chairman Dr. Ayogu Emeka and Assistant Secretary Dr. Usman Hafiz, the memo described the dismissals as “selective victimisation” and a form of “scapegoating,” affecting only three out of 30 doctors in the same employment category.
Efforts to resolve the issue through advocacy—including meetings with the hospital’s management and visits by senior medical figures—have failed, the association stated.
The NMA cited worsening conditions in Nigeria’s healthcare system, including brain drain and burnout, warning that the dismissals exacerbate the crisis.
“If the doctors are not reinstated within seven days of the strike’s commencement, all NMA members in the FCT will join the action,” the memo added.
