The National Executive Council meeting of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) was held at the June 12 Cultural center, Abeokuta, Ogun State between the 1^st to 5^th December 2025. The theme of the Conference and Meeting was “Beyond Crosswords: Unlocking Health System Potential Through Partnerships”. The sub-theme was “Caring for the Caregivers: Doctors’ Welfare and Mental Resilience in a Broken System”.

The National Executive Council Meeting was heralded by courtesy calls on the Vice Chancellor, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Prof. Adedeji Agboola, the wife of the wife of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Mrs. Folu Adeboye, and the Medical Director of the Redeemers Health Village, Dr. Adedamola Dada. The Association also had a successful medical, surgical and Radiological outreach at the Idowa Ijebu, where multiple indigent patients were attended and free ultra sound scans were conducted.

The Opening Ceremony, which held under the distinguished chairmanship of the Chairman of Ace Medical Clinics Limited, Dr. Oluwole Kukoyi, featured an impressive array of dignitaries. In attendance was the Honourable Minister of State for Health, ably represented by the Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Dr. (Mrs.) Sarah Ibiyemi; the Executive Governor of Ogun State, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker; and the Executive Governor of Kwara State, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Amina Ibrahim El-Imam.

Also present were the Dagburewe of Idowa, HRH Oba Alayeluwa Barr. Sikiru Kayode Adefuape Okuribido; the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, HRM Oba Professor Saka Adelola Matemilola; a past President of the National Postgraduate Medical College, Prof. Akin Osibogun; the Chairman of Coleman Cables and Wires and Asiwaju of Remo Kingdom, Asiwaju Onafowokan; and the Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Dr. Fatima Kyari.

The theme lecture was delivered by a former Commissioner for Health in Ogun State, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye, while the sub-theme session featured three seasoned medical experts: Prof. Olayinka Atilola, Dr. Zainab Mairami, and Dr. Yusuf Quudus.

The open ceremony also featured awards presentation to notable dignitaries, amongst whom were Dr Ali Gombe a former Minister of State Health, under the General Abubakar Abdulsalami regime, Prof Akin Osibogun, renowned Public health expert and the former Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital LUTH, Idi Araba Lagos and Dr Aisha Shehu Adamu, the current Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo. A post houmous award of the Fellow of the Nigerian Medical Association (FNMA) was given to late Prof. Jibril Aminu, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri and also a former Minister of Education and Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources.

In his opening remarks, the President warmly welcomed members to the meeting and provided a brief, yet comprehensive account of the efforts undertaken by the National Officers Committee (NOC) over the past few months. He highlighted the Committee’s sustained commitment to improving members’ welfare, as well as its constructive engagements with the Government and relevant agencies on issues affecting the medical profession. The President expressed deep appreciation for the unwavering support he has received from all members of the NEC and appealed for continued collaboration, emphasizing that strengthened support for the NOC is essential to further advance the welfare and professional well-being of Nigerian doctors

OBSERVATIONS

1. NEC noted the renewed commitment of the Association to the One-Stop Eight-Storey NMA National Building project and acknowledged the progress made toward achieving federal support for its completion.
2. NEC observed ongoing concerns regarding the introduction of Consultant Nurses and reaffirmed its position on the matter.
3. NEC further noted the urgent need for engagement with relevant Government offices to ensure the upward review and implementation of an extended retirement age for medical doctors.
4. NEC noted the need to strengthen the draft National Prescription Policy to ensure that provisions relating to prescribing rights adequately protect the interests of medical doctors.
5. NEC observed the successful completion of the full registration process for the Doctors’ Medical Aid Foundation and the commencement of activities under the Foundation.
6. NEC noted ongoing improvements to the NMA digital platforms, including upgrades to the doctors’ digital stamps and verification systems, and emphasized the need for continued digital transformation of Secretariat operations.
7. NEC received updates on preparations for the forthcoming NMA Games in Kaduna and acknowledged the event’s role in promoting unity, physical fitness, and mental well-being among members.
8. NEC noted with considerable admiration the presentation of the 2026 AGM/ADM plans by the Kano State Branch, including the proposed theme, venue, date, and registration fees.

RESOLUTIONS

1. NEC reaffirmed its strong support for the NMA National Building project and encouraged the Honourable Minister of Health to continue engagements with the Federal Government toward securing funding and takeover of the project.
2. NEC rejected the approval to create a cadre introducing Consultant Nurses in our civil service and directed all State Chairmen to immediately engage their respective Heads of Service to advocate for upward review of the retirement age for medical doctors.
3. NEC mandated the National Officers Committee (NOC) to intensify advocacy to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and formally present the Association’s position to the National Council on Establishment.
4. NEC resolved that any section of the draft National Prescription Policy that encroaches on the role and responsibilities of medical doctors must be removed and directed that the draft be circulated to all State branches for review and input.
5. NEC approved the constitution of a National Committee on Prescription Policy and the following names were suggested; Dr. Joseph Ogboti, Prof. Abdulgafar Jimoh Prof. Ezeanosike, Prof. Patricia Babatunde (Clinical Pharmacologist) Dr. Peter Akidenola.
6. NEC approved the commencement of funding and full operational activities under the Doctors’ Medical Aid Foundation.
7. NEC also approved the report of the Health Policy and Strategic Planning committee of the NMA, ably chaired by Dr Aminu Magashi Garba, they presented the NMA Strategic plan and it was adopted as a working document of the NMA. Launching of the document was proposed for January 2026.
8. NEC directed the National Secretariat to sustain and expand ongoing digital transformation initiatives, including website upgrades, digital stamping, verification systems, and improved virtual meeting management.
9. NEC emphasized the need for improved time management, punctuality, and decorum during national meetings and charged all delegates to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct.
10. NEC endorsed Kaduna State as the venue for the upcoming NMA Games and encouraged the continuation of preparations to ensure a successful and unifying event.
11. NEC considered the report from Kano State on the 2026 AGM/ADM and approved the proposed early registration fee of ₦120,000, while taking note of the event theme, venue, and scheduled date of April 26, 2026.

APPRECIATION

The Nigerian Medical Association expresses its sincere appreciation and is immensely grateful to the following personalities for various roles and support before, during and after the meeting:

1. The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR,
2. The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima GCON,
3. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammed Ali Pate,
4. The Honorable Minister of State for Health, Iziaq Adekunle Salako,
5. His Excellency, Dr Dapo Abiodun, the Executive Governor of Ogun State
6. The Honorable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu,
7. The Honourable Commissioner for Health Ogun State, Tomi Coker
8. The Honourable Commissioner for Health Kwara State, Fatima Ibrahim El-Imam
9. The Chairman of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Prof Afolabi Lesi,
10. The Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Dr Fatima Kyari.
11. The Dagburewe of Idowa, HRH Oba Alayeluwa Barr. Sikiru Kayode Adefuape Okuribido
12. The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, HRM Oba Professor Saka Adelola Matemilola; the Chairman of Coleman Cables and Wires and Asiwaju of Remo Kingdom
13. The main theme speaker and the panelists.
14. The Chairman and members of Ogun State NMA and all local organizing committee members.