FG Orders Immediate Measures To Protect Health Workers From Harassment Nationwide

The Federal Government has ordered the immediate implementation of measures to protect health workers across the country following a series of reported assaults, intimidation and harassment in federal health institutions.

The directive followed the submission of the report of the Ministerial Committee on the Harassment of Health Workers by Security Personnel, which was set up after a May 2026 incident at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Akwa Ibom State, involving operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The incident disrupted clinical services and led to industrial action.

According to the report, the Uyo incident was not an isolated case.

The committee documented 18 incidents of assault, intimidation or harassment in federal tertiary health institutions within the past year involving patients, relatives, members of the public and security personnel.

The incidents reportedly resulted in physical injuries, psychological trauma, damage to hospital property, disruption of healthcare services and industrial actions.

The committee identified poor communication, prolonged waiting times, inadequate staffing, poor infrastructure, emotional distress, abuse of authority and the absence of clear security protocols as major contributing factors.

Accepting the committee’s recommendations, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, directed their immediate implementation.

“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,” Pate said.

“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.”

Under the new directives, anyone who assaults, threatens, intimidates or harasses a health worker will be investigated and prosecuted under existing criminal, civil or administrative laws where evidence supports such action.

The government also directed all federal tertiary health institutions to strengthen internal security, establish Violence Prevention Teams, improve surveillance and access control, and enhance security around emergency units and other sensitive areas.

Hospitals are also required to appoint liaison officers to work with law enforcement agencies, ensure security operations do not disrupt patient care, improve complaint-handling mechanisms, and provide training for staff on conflict prevention and de-escalation.

The Ministry of Health said broader policy recommendations from the committee would be presented to the National Council on Health for consideration as a national framework applicable to federal, state and private health institutions.

The ministry added that implementation would be closely monitored through periodic progress reports submitted to the Coordinating Minister, stressing that violence against health workers or interference with healthcare delivery would not be tolerated under any circumstances.