Doctors threaten indefinite strike as National Hospital Abuja sacks three consultants

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a 14-day strike notice to the management of the National Hospital, Abuja, following the dismissal of three medical consultants.

The resolution to embark on the strike was reached during the association’s Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) held on June 11 at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, jointly signed by the NMA FCT Chairman, Dr. Ayogu Emeka, and Assistant Secretary, Dr. Usman Hafiz, the association described the dismissal of the doctors as “selective victimisation” and “scapegoating.” The affected consultants were reportedly engaged as Locum staff for three years, alongside 27 others in similar positions, before being abruptly terminated without justification.

The letter, titled “Notice of 14 Days Strike Ultimatum for Vehemently Refusing to Reinstate Our Disengaged Members,” noted that the association had made several high-level advocacy efforts—including interventions led by the National President of the NMA, Dr. Bala M. Audu—but all had failed to secure a reversal of the hospital’s decision.

The NMA FCT expressed concern that the terminations come amid an ongoing exodus of medical professionals from Nigeria, a trend known as the “Japa syndrome,” which continues to strain the country’s already overburdened healthcare system. The association warned that the dismissals could worsen existing staff shortages and increase psychological and financial stress on remaining workers.

According to the NMA, doctors at the National Hospital will begin a two-week warning strike from June 15 to June 29. If the dismissed doctors are not reinstated by then, a full and indefinite strike will commence on June 30. After seven days of this indefinite action, the entire NMA FCT membership will join the strike.

The letter stated: “The stress of understaffing, coupled with the fear of unjust termination, has led to anxiety, reduced productivity, and financial insecurity among our members.”

“Having exhausted all peaceful means without any positive result, the association is left with no option but to initiate the strike action in defense of the rights and welfare of our members.”

The NMA FCT urged the hospital management to act swiftly to resolve the matter and avert a major disruption to healthcare delivery in the Federal Capital Territory.