The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a stern warning to the FCT Primary Healthcare Board, threatening to embark on an indefinite strike over the suspension of three medical doctors from the National Hospital, Abuja.
In a strongly worded memo dated June 13, 2025, the association demanded the immediate and unconditional reinstatement of the affected doctors—**Dr. Arome, Dr. Tijjani, and Dr. Salisu—describing their disengagement as unjust, unlawful, and a violation of public service ethics.
The letter, signed by NMA FCT Chairman, Dr. Ayogu Emeka, and Assistant Secretary, Dr. Usman Hafiz,was titled:
“Notice of 14 Days Strike Ultimatum for Vehemently Refusing to Reinstate Our Disengaged Members.”
According to the memo, the three doctors were employed under locum (casual) contracts for over three years before being suspended without any formal justification. The NMA insists the suspension is unacceptable and against the provisions of the Public Service Rules and the 2014 National Health Act.
“It has become imperative to formally communicate the position and decision of the Supreme Congress of NMA FCT Branch regarding the disengagement of our members who were casualised as locum consultants for three years without any justifiable reason from the management of National Hospital, Abuja,” the memo partly read.
The NMA FCT described the suspension process as a “kangaroo exercise”, asserting that it undermines due process and the dignity of the medical profession. It warned that if the doctors are not reinstated by June 30, 2025, doctors across all hospitals in the FCT will commence an indefinite strike.
“The unconditional reinstatement of our colleagues is non-negotiable,” said Dr. Ayogu. “We shall not stand by and watch our members victimized or unjustly treated. This injustice must be reversed.”
The association stated that failure to act within seven days of the strike’s commencement would escalate the action to include all NMA members within the FCT, effectively shutting down public health services in the capital city.
“If the board fails to meet our demands within seven days after the strike begins, all doctors under NMA in the FCT will withdraw their services,” the memo warned.
Calling on the FCT Minister and the Federal Minister of Health to urgently intervene, the NMA emphasized the importance of preserving workers’ rights in the health sector. The association argued that the doctors’ prolonged casual employment, followed by their abrupt suspension, was a direct violation of professional labour standards.
“This issue is not only about the three doctors; it is about justice, dignity, and the rule of law in the healthcare sector,” said Dr. Hafiz.
Health experts and civil society groups have expressed concern over the looming crisis, warning that a strike by doctors in the FCT could paralyze healthcare delivery, especially in government hospitals and primary health centres.
As of press time, the FCT Primary Healthcare Board has not officially responded to the NMA’s demands. However, observers say the coming days will be critical for avoiding a full-scale disruption of medical services across the Federal Capital Territory.
