NMA NOC Deepens Stakeholder Engagement with Affiliate Bodies and Health Sector Leaders
Sunday, 17 May 2026
As part of ongoing consultative and reconciliatory engagements of the administration of the President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr. (Prof.) Afekhide Omoti, the National Officers Committee (NOC) recently held a series of strategic meetings with key affiliate associations and leaders within the Nigerian health sector at the National Secretariat on Benghazi Street, Abuja.
The engagements included courtesy visits and advocacy meetings with the leaderships of the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP), and the Committee of Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) of tertiary health institutions in Nigeria.
Leading the MDCAN delegation, the President, Prof. Apollos Chidi Ndukuba, congratulated the newly elected NOC and commended the reconciliatory steps already being undertaken by the NMA leadership. He encouraged the NOC to uphold justice, fairness, and constitutionalism while fostering an enabling environment for conflict resolution and genuine reconciliation within the Association.
Similarly, the leadership of NAGGMDP, led by its President, Dr. Anas Idris Shanono, congratulated the NOC and pledged full cooperation with the aspirations of the new leadership. The association also highlighted concerns regarding perceived disparities affecting some of its members in the implementation of certain special allowances within the revised CONMESS structure.
The NMA President, Dr. (Prof.) Afekhide Omoti, in his responses during the engagements, reaffirmed his commitment to an NMA guided by the Constitution, equity, and good conscience. He reiterated the guiding principle of his administration that “no doctor should be left behind” and pledged sustained efforts toward peace, inclusion, and fairness within the Association.
Prof. Omoti also hinted at plans to broaden and streamline the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiation framework to ensure wider stakeholder representation, including the inclusion of NAGGMDP leadership in remuneration negotiations within the health sector.
At a separate meeting with the leadership of the Committee of CMDs, led by the Chairman, Prof. Sa’ad Ahmed, discussions focused on strategic policies, infrastructural investments, and collaborative actions needed to strengthen healthcare delivery in Nigeria. The me
eting also extensively deliberated on the growing incidence of assaults on d
octors and other health workers by state and non-state actors, with the medical leaders brainstorming legislative and policy solutions to improve safety and security within hospital environments. The prospect of establishing a Ministerial Technical Steering Committee on personnel safety within public hospitals was also discussed.
The leaderships of the affiliate bodies and health institutions collectively expressed their readiness to work closely with the NMA leadership in advancing the welfare of doctors, strengthening the healthcare system, and promoting industrial harmony within the sector.
Signed,
Prof. Olayinka Atilola
National Publicity Secretary
Nigerian Medical Association
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COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (NEC) AND THE ANNUAL GENERAL/SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE AND DELEGATES MEETING (AGSC/ADM) IN KANO
Wednesday, 13 May 2026
COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (NEC) AND THE ANNUAL GENERAL/SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE AND DELEGATES MEETING (AGSC/ADM) HELD AT AFFICENT EVENT CENTRE, MAGAJI RUMFA ROAD, KANO THE 26TH APRIL TO 3RD MAY 2026
PREAMBLE
The National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting and the Annual General/Scientific Conference and Delegates Meeting (AGSC/ADM) of the Nigerian Medical Association were held at the Afficent Event Centre, Kano, from 26th April to 3rd May 2026.
The theme of the Conference was:
“Bridging Research, Policy and Practice: Strengthening Nigeria’s Health System for Resilience and Equity.”
Sub-themes included:
• “Nurturing the Next Generation of Health Professionals: Strengthening Training, Mentorship and Career Retention”
• “Leveraging Public-Private Partnerships to Expand Access and Improve Quality of Care”
The meeting was preceded by a courtesy visit to His Royal Highness, Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II, the 14th Emir of Kano.
As part of its community engagement activities, the Association conducted a medical outreach comprising medical, surgical, and ophthalmological services at Gwarzo General Hospital and Gwale Primary Health Centre in Gwarzo and Gwale Local Government Areas respectively. Thousands of patients received care for a wide range of conditions, including those requiring surgical intervention, with many indigent patients benefiting significantly.
The Opening Ceremony, chaired by Dr. Haruna Baba Jibril, a Consultant Paediatrician and former NMA Kano State Chairman, was attended by distinguished dignitaries including the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, represented by the Chief Medical Director of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Prof. Abdulrahman Abba Sheshe; the Executive Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf; and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, who was also represented.
Other notable attendees included His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and the Vice Chancellor of Bayero University Kano, Prof. Haruna Musa, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Development), Prof. Amina Mustafa.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Hadiza Shehu Galadanci, Director of the African Centre of Excellence for Population Health and Policy, who emphasized the importance of strengthening the interface between research, policy, and clinical practice, as well as investing in workforce development and sustainable health financing.
OBSERVATIONS
1. NEC noted with appreciation the support given to the health workers in Kano State by the Government of Kano State ably led by the Executive Governor of the State, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf.
2. NEC noted with gratitude the extension of the retirement age for clinical health workers in the country to fill the necessary health shortage gaps occasioned by the continuous migration of health workers especially doctors. NEC appreciates the efforts of all key players in the success story especially the Head of civil Service of the federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Hon. Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, and the Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Prof. Fatima Kyari.
3. NEC appreciated the efforts of the Committee set up to review the National prescription policy of the Federal Ministry of Health and thanked them for providing their report and recommendations.
4. NEC observed that the NGO-arm of the Nigerian Medical Association called the Doctors Medical Aid Foundation (D-MAF) is finally up and running and commended the National Officers Committee especially the President for ensuring the take-off of this laudable initiative.
5. NEC appreciated the National Officers Committee for their efforts in ensuring the correction and implementation of the CONMESS circular.
6. NEC noted the resumption of the discussion on the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for health workers in Nigeria and recognized the efforts of the Honorable Minister of Labour, Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, and Honorable Minister of Health Prof Mohammad Ali Pate in ensuring the kick off.
7. NEC noted the efforts of the National Officers Committee in engaging the National Revenue Service in seeking for tax free allowances for medical doctors in the country in line with their status of providing essential services to the citizens of Nigeria.
8. NEC observed progress made with regards to the universal applicability of the implementation of CONMESS for doctors working across different MDAs in the country.
9. NEC notes the efforts made by the National officers Committee to ensure pay parity between medical doctors working in Teaching Hospitals and those in the Academics. NEC notes the communication from the Nigerian Universities Commission on this issue.
10. NEC observed the efforts of the National Officers Committee for rejuvenating the National Lecture series and the organization of the NMA National Medical Expo 1.0 and 2.0.
11. NEC observed the outstanding organization of the National Games which held in Kaduna State in February and noted that the organization was very commendable.
12. NEC frowned at the delay in the constitution of the board of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and its negative implication on medical practice in Nigeria.
13. NEC expressed displeasure with the frequent assault and harassment on its members across the country and urged for members of the public to show restraint to assaulting medical doctors at their workplace.
14. NEC noted that the Lagos SOC led by Dr. Saheed Babajide remains recognized.
15. NEC noted with concern the recent court judgement empowering the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council (FCCPC) and seriously frowned at the incursion into the practice of Medicine in Nigeria.
16. NEC noted the delay in the payment of salaries to house officers across Federal Health Institutions.
17. NEC also noted with displeasure the gathering of delegates across various state and FCT Abuja for a “delegate meeting” whose convocation was not in line with laid down constitutional procedure. Additionally, NEC frowned at the invasion of the NMA Secretariat in Abuja by some members with an attempt to place it under lock and key.
RESOLUTIONS
1. NEC resolved that the recommendations of the National Prescription policy be submitted to the next president in council for considerations and further action.
2. NEC resolved that the next NMA National Officers Committee should sustain the tempo and the progress made with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations with the Federal Government.
3. NEC resolved that the implementation of the CONMESS circular to Doctors working in the Academia should be pursued vigorously with the National Salaries Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC) to ensure circularization of the recommendations by the Nigerian University Commission (NUC).
4. NEC urged the Federal Government to constitute without delay the Board of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to ensure that the quality of services across the country is appropriately supervised.
5. NEC resolved (on the recommendation of the Award and Honours committee) to award Excellence service awards to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Delta State, (Rt. Hon) Sheriff R. Oborevwori and His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, (Rt. Hon) Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, CON for their numerous contributions to health infrastructure, health personnel development and health insurance in their states.
6. NEC also resolved to present distinguished service awards to Dr. (Prof) Muhammad Borodo and the Head of Service Delta State Government, Dr. Minimi Oseji and the award of the Fellow of the Nigerian Medical Association (FNMA) to His Excellency Senator Chris N. Ngige CON, His Excellency Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi A. Okowa CON and Dr. Ibrahim Wada OON.
7. NEC resolved to refer some members involved in the unconstitutional convocation of a “delegates meeting” to the National Disciplinary Committee while simultaneously placing them under suspension and reprimand by applying the provision of Article 28, section 8 of the NMA constitution.
8. ADM elected the following members into the following positions as National Officers Committee of Nigerian Medical Association for the 2026 – 2028 Executive term.
Dr Afekhide Ernest Omoti – President
Dr Bapiga’an William Audu – 1st Vice President
Dr Okwara Emmanuel Chidiebere – 2nd Vice President
Dr Tamunokuro Ezekiel Diamond – Secretary General
Dr Laguhyel Boniface Gundiri – Deputy Secretary General
Dr Mohammad Sani Abubakar – National Treasurer
Dr Abayomi Oluseye Olajide – National Financial Secretary
Dr Olayinka Atilola – National Publicity Secretary
Dr Anas Ismail – Editor-in-Chief, NMJ
Dr Bala Mohammed Audu – Immediate Past President
Dr. Benjamin Egbo – Immediate Past Secretary General
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 Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR
2. The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; His Excellency Sen. Kashim Shettima GCON
3. The Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf
4. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate
5. The Honorable Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako
6. The former Honorable Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Hon. Dr Tanko Yusuf Sununu
7. The Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr. Salma Anas
8. The Royal Father of the day, the Emir of Kano, Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II CFR.
9. The Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Dr. Fatima Kyari
10. President of the West African College of Surgeons, Prof IB Yakasai,
11. The Keynote Speaker and other sub-theme speakers
Special appreciation to the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee and the State Officers Committee led by the Chairman NMA Kano State; Dr. Abdulrrahman Ali, sponsors, volunteers and corporate Organizations who supported the hosting of the NEC and the AGMSC/ADM.
NMA congratulates the NMA Kano for an exceptionally superlative hosting.
Dr. Afekhide Ernest Omoti Dr. Tamunokuro Ezekiel Diamond
President Secretary General
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NMA National Media Update-24th April, 2026
Saturday, 25 April 2026
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) under the leadership of Prof Bala Muhammad Audu who is also the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences Azare is set to host its 66th Annual General Conference and Delegates Meeting (AGC/DM) in Kano State from Sunday, 26th April to Sunday, 3rd May 2026.
The conference is bringing together over 1,000 delegates from across the country in what promises to be a landmark gathering in the history of the NMA.
The Theme for this year’s conference is “Bridging Research, Policy and Practice: Strengthening Nigeria’s Health System for Resilience and Equity,”
The conference will serve as a high-level platform for robust engagement on critical issues shaping Nigeria’s health sector.
The 2 year tenure of the present National officers will come to an end during the conference and a major highlight of this year’s AGC/DM will be the conduct of the first-ever delegates’ election, following the recent amendment of the NMA Constitution.
With the delegate’s election system, accredited elected delegates from various states are now empowered to vote directly, thereby replacing the previous system where only State Chairmen exercised voting rights.
This new development represents a significant step toward deepening participation, internal democracy, inclusiveness, and transparency within the Association, and also signifies the commitment of the NMA to progressive institutional reforms.
The 66th AGC/DM will feature a rich lineup of activities designed to advance professional development, promote healthcare delivery, and strengthen collaboration.
These include:
Medical Outreach Programmes: Tagged Dr. Stella Adadevoh Medical Outreach, to honour the memory of Dr Ameyo Stella Adadevoh a Nigerian Doctor who sacrificed her life to contain the 2014 Ebola outbreak IN Nigeria. The outreach programme is aimed at expanding access to essential healthcare services for underserved communities, an initiative highlighting the courage and dedication to public health
Council meetings, delegates’ sessions, plenary sessions, Scientific Sessions, Policy Dialogues, and high-level Panel Discussions focusing on critical issues such as the welfare of doctors, pressing national health issues, health system strengthening, and workforce development.
Deliberations during the conference will critically examine the state of health in Nigeria, with emphasis on:
- Strengthening health systems for resilience and equity
- Improving training, mentorship, and retention of healthcare professionals
- Leveraging public-private partnerships to expand access and improve quality of care
The outcomes of these discussions are expected to generate actionable recommendations to guide policymakers and stakeholders in advancing healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
The choice of Kano is both strategic and symbolic, reflecting its historical significance and its readiness to host a gathering of this magnitude.
The Nigerian Medical Association expresses its profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Kano State, His Excellency Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his overwhelming support, commitment, and partnership in the ongoing preparations towards hosting this landmark event.
The Association also acknowledges the invaluable contributions of relevant stakeholders, development partners, and security agencies.
The Nigerian Medical Association invites members of the press, partners, and members of the public to follow proceedings of the conference as it continues to champion policies and initiatives that will strengthen Nigeria’s health system and improve the welfare of healthcare professionals.
KEY LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS OF PROF BALA MOHAMMED AUDU LED NOC
- Correction of CONMESS Salary Structure: The NMA successfully secured a new CONMESS salary circular which was released on August 19, 2025, correcting longstanding distortions and restoring relativity with CONHESS which was eroded following previous salary adjustments. This achievement is a restoration of fairness, professional dignity, and equity in doctors’ remuneration.
- Landmark Review of Professional Allowances: Through sustained advocacy, the NMA achieved a revised professional allowances circular which was released on November 19, 2025), which significantly improved doctors’ earnings while ensuring correct platform for future negotiation.
- Increase in Retirement Age for Doctors: We engaged with the Federal Government in a constructive dialogue aimed at addressing the outward migration of healthcare professionals and in a major welfare breakthrough, the Government approved an increase in retirement age of healthcare professionals from 60 to 65 years, backed by an establishment circular issued on December 31, 2025. 4. Institutionalization of
- Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA): for the first time in 17 years, the Federal Government has constituted a collective bargaing agreement committee following a diligent and proactive advocacy by The, laying the foundation for structured negotiations on remuneration, working conditions, and career progression for Nigerian doctors and other healthcare workers in Nigeria.
- Medical Financial Assistance Framework: following a demand for comprehensive healthcare insurance package for medical doctors in Nigeria, A landmark circular was secured to provide comprehensive medical financial support, including access to treatment within and outside Nigeria. This policy establishes a critical safety net and strengthens health insurance structures for doctors and indeed othr healthcare professionals in the countr
- Universal Applicability of CONMESS for University Lecturers: The NMA successfully achieved universal application of CONMESS to medical lecturers, correcting longstanding disparities and promoting equity across clinical and academic practice.
- Launch of NMA Strategic Development Plan (2026–2030): The unveiling of a comprehensive five-year strategic plan marks a shift from advocacy to structured impact, positioning the NMA as a catalyst for health system transformation in Nigeria.
- Establishment of Doctors Medical Aid Foundation (DMAF): The creation of DMAF represents a bold institutional innovation aimed at expanding access to healthcare, supporting vulnerable populations, and strengthening emergency response systems nationwide.
- NMA National Health Summit: The Association convened a landmark National Health Summit, generating actionable policy recommendations on workforce development, financing, digital health, and universal health coverage.
- Digital Transformation of the NMA: A comprehensive overhaul of the Association’s ICT ecosystem has enhanced transparency, communication, and operational efficiency through a unified digital platform and member engagement system.
As the tenure of Prof. Bala Mohammed Audu-led NOC draws to a close, the Association stands stronger, more strategic, and future-ready. The legacy of this administration is not only in the milestones achieved but in the enduring systems and reforms established for generations of Nigerian doctors.
The future of medical practice in Nigeria has been secured through visionary leadership, unity, and purposeful action.
Read from media reports here:
https://tribuneonlineng.com/nma-denies-factionalisation-affirms-unity-ahead-of-kano-conference/
https://youtu.be/eXCq72VOclI?si=_DU-V_Tp4Pgs26YX
https://nannews.ng/nma-dismisses-factional-claims-confirms-unity-ahead-kano-conference/
Dr. Mannir Bature
National Publicity Secretary
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THE NIGERIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION STRATEGIC PLAN LAUNCH & ANNUAL LECTURE SERIES
Sunday, 15 March 2026
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