Nigerian doctors under the aegis of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos State Branch, have faulted a recent judgment by the Federal High Court in Abuja affirming the authority of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate cases of alleged medical negligence.
In a statement issued by its Chairman, Dr. Babajide Kehinde Saheed, the association described the April 2026 ruling as “surprising and troubling,” arguing that it runs contrary to established legal provisions governing medical practice in Nigeria.
The NMA maintained that the statutory responsibility for regulating medical practice, including the investigation and adjudication of professional misconduct and negligence, rests exclusively with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), reports The Nation.
It emphasised that this mandate is deliberate and central to preserving professional standards and integrity within the health sector.
The association warned that extending such investigative powers to external bodies like the FCCPC could result in regulatory overlaps and institutional conflicts, particularly in matters requiring specialised medical expertise. It added that the ruling could open the door for further encroachment by other agencies into the professional domain of medical regulation.
Linking the development to broader challenges in the health sector, the NMA cautioned that the decision may worsen the ongoing migration of healthcare professionals, commonly referred to as “japa,” which has contributed to workforce shortages across the country.
“The resultant uncertainty and perceived vulnerability may accelerate the exodus of skilled practitioners, thereby worsening healthcare outcomes and undermining national health indices,” the statement noted.
The Lagos NMA said it does not align with the court’s position and has resolved to challenge the judgment through legal means. It disclosed plans to file an appeal aimed at securing judicial clarity and protecting what it described as the sanctity of medical regulation in Nigeria.
Reaffirming its commitment to ethical standards and accountability, the association stressed that preserving the autonomy of the medical profession remains essential to delivering quality healthcare nationwide.
