NMA FCT threatens the strike of the dismissal of three doctors at the National Hospital

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) issued a 14 -day ultimatum to the management of the National Hospital, Abuja, asking for the restoration of three doctors who were presumably fired after having worked as occasional staff for three years.

In a note dated 13 June 2025 and addressed to the hospital’s medical garment, Prof. Muhammad Mahmud, the NMA warned that the hospital doctors would have started a total and indefinite strike since 30 June, if the doctors concerned were not restored. In addition, if the problem remains unresolved after seven days of the initial action, the strike will be expanded to include all NMA members throughout the FCT.

The reminder, entitled “Notice of 14 Days Strike Ultimotum for having vehemently refused to restore our disengaged members”, was signed by the president of the NMA FCT, dr. Ayogu Emeka, and by the assistant secretary, dr. Usman Hafiz. A resolution followed in the Association’s General Assembly on 11 June 2025.

The NMA has accused the direction of the “selective victimization and scapegoat hospital”, claiming that three consultants were identified by a group of 30 doctors who were employed in similar conditions.

“It has become indispensable to formally communicate our decision regarding the disengagement of our members who were Locum consultants for three years without justification,” said the memo.

The Association stated that several peaceful efforts, including defense visits of high NMA officials and direct appeals by national managers and FCTs, have been ignored by the hospital management.

“These included visits by the President of the NMA, Dr. Bala M. Audu, and a high -level defense committee made up of respected senior doctors. All the efforts aimed at resolving the question friendly did not produce a positive answer”, complained of the NMA.

In addition to the individual cases, NMA has connected the problem to wider challenges that the Nigeria health sector must face, including the mass emigration of medical professionals and serious staff deficiencies.

The group warned that the dismissal of trained doctors would further aggravated the burden for the remaining staff.

“Disengagement contributes to the worsening of mental health, the economic difficulties and the insecurity of the work among doctors, reducing morale and productivity throughout the line,” he said.

The NMA stressed that the notice of strike, which begins on June 15 and lasts until June 29, was the last resource after having run out all the peaceful avenues.

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

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

In a declaration issued on Saturday, the head of information management and protocol, Maijamaa Adamu, said no doctor currently employed by the hospital had been fired.

“We categorically deny the accusation. The hospital did not think of fire to any of its staff members, in particular doctors and consultants whose services are essential,” said Adamu.

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

While the NMA insists on the restoration of the affected doctors, the hospital claims that no dismissal has occurred – a stall that now threatens to interrupt the health services in the FCT if left unsolved.

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