The Federal Government on Wednesday directed the immediate implementation of measures to strengthen the protection of health workers across Nigeria, following the submission of a report by the Ministerial Committee on the Harassment of Health Workers by Security Personnel.
According to a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, the directive underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that health professionals operate in safe and secure environments.
The government stressed that no grievance, disagreement, or official assignment constitutes lawful justification for violence against health workers or interference with healthcare delivery.
It added that existing laws would be strictly enforced, with offenders held accountable, while all lawful steps would be taken to secure health facilities and ensure uninterrupted patient care.
The government also expressed concern over the harassment of staff at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital and ordered an immediate end to all forms of assault and intimidation against health personnel.
Findings from the committee revealed that the Uyo incident was not isolated, as at least 18 cases of assault, intimidation, or harassment were recorded across federal tertiary health institutions within the past 12 months.
The incidents reportedly involved patients, their relatives, members of the public, and security personnel.
Consequently, the government directed that any individual who assaults, threatens, intimidates, or harasses a health worker must be investigated and, where necessary, prosecuted under applicable Nigerian laws.
It noted that the absence of a specific law addressing violence against health workers would not hinder enforcement, as existing criminal, civil, and administrative frameworks provide sufficient legal basis for sanctions, compensation, and other remedies.
As part of immediate interventions, Federal Tertiary Health Institutions were instructed to strengthen internal security systems, establish Violence Prevention Teams, and enhance access control, surveillance, and visitor identification, particularly in emergency and other sensitive units.
Hospitals are also required to designate liaison officers to work with law enforcement agencies, while ensuring that security operations within healthcare facilities do not endanger patients, disrupt treatment, or compromise confidentiality.
The directive further mandates that all incidents of assault or harassment must be promptly reported, investigated, and documented, with affected workers receiving institutional support.
Serious cases are to be escalated to relevant law enforcement, regulatory, or human rights authorities.
Hospital managements were also directed to improve complaint-handling mechanisms, strengthen patient communication, and provide staff training on conflict prevention and de-escalation.
The ministry said the measures form part of broader efforts to enhance workplace safety, improve patient care quality, and strengthen public confidence in the health sector.
It added that broader policy recommendations from the report would be presented at the next National Council on Health meeting for possible adoption as a national framework applicable to federal, state, and private health institutions.
The committee was constituted on May 19, 2026, following an incident at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital involving operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and hospital staff, which disrupted clinical services and triggered industrial action.
During its assignment, the committee reviewed reports from federal tertiary health institutions and engaged professional, regulatory, security, and human rights bodies.
The incidents reviewed resulted in bodily injury, psychological trauma, damage to hospital property, service disruptions, and industrial actions.
Contributory factors identified include poor communication, long waiting times, inadequate staffing, weak infrastructure, emotional distress, abuse of authority, and the absence of clear security protocols.
Upon receiving the report, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, approved the recommendations and directed their immediate implementation.
Pate said, “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.
“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 ministry said it would monitor implementation through periodic progress reports to the Coordinating Minister.