The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos State chapter, has strongly opposed an April 2026 judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja affirming the authority of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate alleged cases of medical negligence.
In a press statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Babajide Kehinde Saheed said the NMA does not align with the court’s pronouncement and will challenge it through all lawful means.
“The Association will pursue all lawful avenues to challenge this decision, including filing an appeal to seek judicial clarity and protect the sanctity of medical regulation in Nigeria.”
The association described the ruling as “surprising and troubling,” insisting it runs contrary to established laws that vest such powers exclusively in the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
According to the NMA, the statutory mandate of the council is “deliberate, exclusive, and central” to maintaining the integrity and professionalism of medical practice in Nigeria. It argued that allowing an external agency like the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to probe medical negligence risks creating regulatory overlaps and institutional conflicts.
“The implication of extending investigative authority over medical negligence to external agencies… poses significant risks,” the statement noted, warning of “potential arbitrariness in the handling of highly technical medical matters that require specialized expertise.”
The association further expressed concern that the ruling could set a precedent for multiple government bodies to encroach on professional medical regulation, thereby undermining a system designed to ensure discipline and accountability within the profession.
Beyond legal implications, the NMA linked the development to broader challenges in Nigeria’s health sector. It warned that the decision could worsen the ongoing brain drain among healthcare workers, popularly referred to as the “japa” phenomenon.
“Such developments are likely to further erode confidence within the medical community,” the statement said, adding that increased uncertainty could accelerate the exodus of skilled practitioners and negatively impact healthcare delivery.
