Idowu Abdullahi
The President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Prof Afekhide Omoti, has assured doctors across the country of transparent, reform-driven, and welfare-focused leadership during his tenure.
Omoti said his administration would prioritise the welfare, professional dignity, and future of Nigerian doctors amid the challenges confronting the country’s healthcare sector.
Omoti, a professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Benin, Edo State, was elected as the NMA president at the association’s 66th Annual General Conference and Delegates Meeting in April 2026.
Speaking exclusively to PUNCH Healthwise, the NMA president said his administration would be focused on results.
“Members of the Nigerian Medical Association should expect a leadership that is accessible, transparent, reform-driven, and uncompromising on the welfare, dignity, and professional future of Nigerian doctors.
“My tenure would be built around results, institutional strengthening, and restoring confidence in both the association and the healthcare system,” he said.
The NMA president said doctors should expect stronger advocacy on salary improvements, timely payment of wages and allowances, tax relief, pension protections, and better working conditions.
“The era where doctors suffer in silence while carrying the burden of a failing system must change,” he stated.
Omoti also promised a more responsive association that would maintain regular engagement with branches and affiliates, and give greater inclusion to young doctors and women in leadership discussions.
“The association must feel connected to its members at all levels,” he said.
Speaking on government relations, the NMA president said his administration would pursue firm but constructive engagement with policymakers to advance health sector reforms and ensure agreements were honoured.
Omoti, who is the Chairman of the National Eye Health Committee at the Federal Ministry of Health, further pledged greater support for young doctors through mentorship programmes, improved residency opportunities, and advocacy against exploitative working conditions.
“Young doctors should feel that the NMA represents their future, not only their present struggles,” he said.
He also promised transparency and accountability within the association through clear financial reporting, performance updates, inclusive policy discussions, and stronger institutional governance.
The NMA president said his administration would embrace data-driven advocacy by producing reports on workforce shortages, migration trends, and health sector performance to strengthen negotiations with the government.
He added that the association would expand continuing medical education programmes, conferences, digital learning platforms, research support initiatives, and international collaborations to improve professional development among doctors.
Omoti also pledged to strengthen the voice of doctors in national policy discussions through increased public advocacy, media engagement, and participation in healthcare reforms.
“Doctors must not be absent from conversations that shape the nation’s future,” Omoti, who is a former NMA Chairman, Edo State chapter, said.
On unity within the profession, the NMA president promised to promote collaboration across specialties and associations while reducing internal divisions and encouraging mutual respect among healthcare professionals.
He further said his administration would continue advocating policies aimed at reducing the migration of doctors abroad by pushing for improved remuneration, safer working conditions, career progression opportunities, and better infrastructure.
“Doctors should migrate by choice, not desperation,” Omoti added.
Reflecting on the legacy he hopes to leave behind, Omoti said, “At the end of my tenure, I want members to say: the NMA became more organized, doctors became more heard, advocacy became more strategic, and the association became more influential in shaping Nigeria’s healthcare future.
“My administration would not promise instant miracles because the healthcare crisis in Nigeria is deep and longstanding. But members should expect commitment, courage, honesty, strategic leadership, and consistent advocacy.”
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