EFCC Shooting: NMA Orders Striking Doctors To Resume After Apology

Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) that withdrew its services from both the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) and other public hospitals in Akwa Ibom State over alleged guns and teargas shooting by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the arrest of a senior thoracic surgeon, Prof. Eyo Ekpe, has ordered full resumption of work.

The association had earlier directed medical workers to resume at state government hospitals, following the intervention by Governor Umo Eno, and other top functionaries of government, except at the UUTH, citing non-compliance by the EFCC to tender apologies.

However, at the emergency meeting on Monday night, the NMA announced that the EFCC had finally apologised to Ekpe and others affected in the incident, and consequently ordered its members at UUTH to also resume.

The resolution made available to LEADERSHIP yesterday, signed by the State NMA Chairman, Dr. Aniekan Peter, and Secretary, Dr. Edesiri Ighorodje, said the total stoppage of the industrial action followed several entreaties and appeals by concerned authorities and, in the interest of patients facing harrowing experiences.

“Congress commended the unity, resilience, sacrifice, and collective resolve demonstrated by members of the Association throughout the period of the industrial action and advocacy efforts, which significantly contributed to the successes recorded.

“Congress appreciated the leadership of the State Officers’ Committee (SOC), led by the State Chairman, Prof. Aniekan Peter, for steadfastly defending the resolutions of Congress and maintaining a principled stance.

“Congress acknowledged the efforts of the Governor, the Deputy Governor, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, the Chairman of the EFCC, the Commissioner for Health, the President of the Nigerian Medical Association, State Chairmen, and other relevant stakeholders, which culminated in the resolutions as follows:

“The public apology issued by the Chairman of the EFCC, and aired on national television;

leading to ongoing efforts aimed at resolving all outstanding issues raised by Congress.

“Congress described the public apology by the Chairman of the EFCC, which was a major demand, as unprecedented and a significant demonstration of accountability, noting that the actions taken represent a collective victory not only for doctors in the State, but for healthcare workers across Nigeria.

“Congress commended the solidarity demonstrated by other healthcare unions such as JOHESU and NANNM, whose support further strengthened the advocacy efforts of the Association.

“Therefore, Congress unanimously resolved that the suspension of the ongoing strike action by NMA-AKS with immediate effect, for members to resume duty at 8:00 am on 19th May, 2026.

“Congress reiterated that while the strike has been suspended in good faith and in the interest of industrial harmony, all resolutions and demands previously made by Congress remain active and are being pursued through ongoing engagements with relevant authorities.

“Members were encouraged to resume their duties promptly and continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, while also ensuring compliance with approved call duty structures and workplace standards,” the communique arising from the emergency meeting stated.