The Nigerian Medical Association has suspended its ongoing industrial action in state-owned health facilities across Akwa Ibom State while retaining the strike at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital over the alleged invasion of the teaching hospital by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The decision was reached at the end of the association’s Emergency General Meeting held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, to review developments surrounding “the unfortunate invasion of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the ongoing industrial action declared in response to the incident.”
In a communiqué signed by the Chairman, Prof Aniekan Peter, and Secretary, Dr Edesiri Ighorodje, the association stated, “That the ongoing industrial action shall continue at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital and the University of Uyo, while all other health facilities and institutions in the State are given waivers and therefore excluded from the strike action.”
The association explained that, “This decision is taken purely on humanitarian grounds in consideration of the suffering masses and as a concession arising from the interventions of the State Government and critical stakeholders.”
The doctors also directed that “work should resume immediately in all excluded centres across the State.”
However, the association warned that the suspension could be reversed if the EFCC failed to meet its demands within two weeks.
“That should the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission fail to comply with the earlier demands of the Association within two weeks from today, all previously excluded centres shall resume full industrial action,” the communiqué stated.
The association noted that although the EFCC had offered an oral apology, Congress observed “with deep concern the reluctance of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to tender an unreserved written apology and publish same in national dailies over the unfortunate invasion of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.”
Congress further noted “the unwillingness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to admit fault and adequately compensate all victims affected by the unfortunate raid on the hospital.”
The association also lamented the impact of the crisis on patients, stating that Congress “noted with sadness the untold suffering experienced by patients, including avoidable deaths occasioned by the unprofessional conduct and actions of operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission during and after the unfortunate incident.”
The NMA commended the intervention efforts of the Akwa Ibom State Government led by Governor Umo Bassey Eno, noting that Congress “acknowledged and appreciated the sincere efforts of the Government of Akwa Ibom State… in facilitating dialogue and working towards resolving the lingering crisis.”
The association also extended commendation to the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate; the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Akon Eyakenyi; commissioners in the state; the Department of State Services; and the Nigeria Police Force for their interventions.
Congress further appreciated “the unwavering support” of the National Officers’ Committee of the NMA led by Prof Ernest Omoti, state branches of the association, affiliate bodies, the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society groups, the media, and the general public.
The association reaffirmed “its commitment to the protection of healthcare workers, preservation of the sanctity of health institutions, and the defense of professional dignity and patient safety at all times.”
PUNCH Healthwise earlier reported that EFCC operatives assaulted members of staff of the UUTH during an investigation involving the authentication of a medical report.
Four staff members, including the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Prof Effiong Ekpe, were arrested during the operation.
Witnesses alleged that the operatives arrived on the hospital premises in the afternoon to arrest a staff member, but resistance from workers led to tension.
Following the assault, the Akwa Ibom branch of the NMA declared an indefinite and total strike.
The National body of the NMA also condemned the assault and called for the prosecution of the officials involved.
PUNCH Healthwise reported that the EFCC, on Friday, bowed to pressure and said it had opened an investigation into the incident.
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