Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government has ordered the immediate implementation of robust measures to enhance the protection of healthcare professionals nationwide. This directive follows the submission of a critical report by the Ministerial Committee tasked with investigating the harassment of health workers by security personnel. The committee’s findings underscore a systemic issue that demands urgent attention from legal and corporate stakeholders.
The impetus for the committee’s formation on May 19, 2026, was a disruptive incident at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) involving operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and hospital staff. This event not only halted clinical services but also precipitated industrial action, highlighting the fragility of healthcare operations when security protocols fail.
In its comprehensive review, the committee examined reports from federal tertiary health institutions and engaged with professional bodies, regulatory agencies, security organisations, and human rights groups. The investigation revealed that the Uyo incident was not an anomaly. Over the preceding twelve months, eighteen reported instances of assault, intimidation, or harassment were documented across federal tertiary health institutions. These incidents involved a spectrum of perpetrators, including patients, their relatives, members of the public, and security personnel. The consequences were severe, ranging from physical injury and psychological trauma to damage to hospital property, significant service disruptions, and further industrial unrest. Key contributing factors identified include poor communication, extended waiting periods, inadequate staffing levels, deficient infrastructure, and a notable absence of clear security protocols.
Upon receiving the committee’s report, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, endorsed its recommendations and mandated their swift execution in line with the provided action plan. “Health workers dedicate their lives to caring for Nigerians and must be able to carry out their duties in an environment that is safe, secure and free from violence, intimidation or harassment,” Prof. Pate stated. “The Federal Government will continue to work with all relevant institutions to protect our health workforce, uphold the rule of law and ensure that healthcare delivery is never compromised.”
The government’s directive mandates that any individual found to have assaulted, threatened, intimidated, or harassed a health worker will be investigated and, if evidence supports it, prosecuted under existing Nigerian laws. The absence of a specific statute targeting violence against health workers will not impede enforcement through current criminal, civil, or administrative legal frameworks. Appropriate sanctions, compensation, and remedies will be pursued.
Federal Tertiary Health Institutions are now required to bolster internal security, establish Violence Prevention Teams, and enhance access control, surveillance, and visitor identification, particularly in high-sensitivity areas like emergency units. Furthermore, each institution must designate liaison officers to coordinate with law enforcement agencies. Security operations within hospital premises must adhere to agreed rules of engagement and, where necessary, formal Memoranda of Understanding, ensuring patient safety, uninterrupted treatment, confidentiality, and the continuity of essential health services.
All incidents of assault, threat, or harassment within health facilities must be promptly reported, investigated, and documented. Affected staff will receive institutional support, with serious cases referred to relevant authorities. Hospital managements are also tasked with strengthening complaint-handling procedures, improving patient communication, and enhancing staff training in conflict prevention and de-escalation. These measures are integral to the Ministry’s broader strategy to elevate workplace safety, improve patient care quality, and restore public confidence in the healthcare sector.
Broader policy recommendations from the report will be presented to the National Council on Health for consideration, aiming for a national framework applicable across federal, state, and private health institutions. The Ministry will rigorously monitor implementation, with periodic progress reports submitted to the Coordinating Minister. The Federal Government unequivocally states that no grievance or official assignment justifies violence against health workers or interference with healthcare delivery. Existing laws will be enforced, offenders held accountable, and all lawful measures will be employed to secure health facilities, protect the workforce, and ensure uninterrupted patient care.
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