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
