NMA Calls for Stronger Ethics in Fight Against Quackery

The Nigerian Medical Association has urged doctors to take the lead in tackling quackery and unethical practices in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, while also maintaining the highest professional standards. The NMA President, Prof Afekhide Omoti, made the call in Abuja on Wednesday during the association’s First Ordinary National Executive Council meeting of its 2026 National Officers’ Committee. The meeting, themed “Transforming Healthcare Practice in Nigeria: Building Trust, Accountability and Collaborative Excellence,” brought together medical practitioners, government officials and other stakeholders. Omoti said the fight against unqualified practitioners must remain a priority, but doctors must also examine their own conduct and uphold professional ethics to protect patients and restore public confidence in the health system.

Omoti said Nigeria’s healthcare sector was facing several challenges, including shortages of medical personnel, migration of health professionals, technological changes, changing disease patterns and growing concerns over patient safety. He stressed that rebuilding trust would require accountability, professional excellence and collaboration across the sector. The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr Emeka Ayogu, said maintaining professional standards and effective teamwork were essential to patient safety and quality healthcare delivery. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the NMA Federal Capital Territory, Dr George Ebong, pledged the support of the FCT branch to the national leadership, particularly in promoting doctors’ welfare and professional excellence. The NEC meeting is also expected to deliberate on doctors’ welfare, professional development, healthcare policy and the future direction of medical practice in Nigeria.

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