The Federal Government has directed the immediate implementation of measures to strengthen the protection of health workers across Nigeria, following a surge in incidents of harassment, intimidation, and assault in healthcare facilities. The directive came after the submission of a report by the Ministerial Committee on the Harassment of Health Workers by Security Personnel, as announced in a statement by Daju Kachollom, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Committee Formed After Uyo Teaching Hospital Incident
The committee was established on 19 May in response to an incident involving operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and workers of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital in Akwa Ibom State. Ms Kachollom stated that the incident disrupted clinical services and triggered industrial action, prompting the government to form the committee to investigate and recommend preventive measures.
The committee reviewed reports from Federal Tertiary Health Institutions and consulted relevant professional, regulatory, security, and human rights bodies before submitting its findings. According to Ms Kachollom, the committee found that the Uyo incident was not isolated, with 18 cases of assault, intimidation, or harassment reported across federal tertiary health institutions in the preceding 12 months.
Incidents Involve Patients, Relatives, and Security Personnel
The incidents involved patients, relatives, members of the public, and security personnel, resulting in bodily injuries, psychological harm, damage to hospital property, and service disruptions. The committee also identified poor communication, prolonged waiting times, inadequate staffing, deficient infrastructure, emotional distress, abuse of authority, and absence of clear security protocols as contributory factors.
Following the report, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, accepted the recommendations and ordered their immediate implementation with an action plan. Mr Pate emphasized that health workers dedicate their lives to caring for Nigerians and must work in a safe, secure environment free from violence, intimidation, or harassment.
Government Vows Prosecution of Offenders
The minister warned that anyone who assaults, threatens, intimidates, or harasses a health worker would be investigated and prosecuted under applicable laws. He stated, “The absence of a specific law relating solely to violence against health workers would not prevent enforcement through existing criminal, civil or administrative laws, including applicable sanctions and compensation.”
He added, “Federal Tertiary Health Institutions have been directed to strengthen internal security arrangements and establish Violence Prevention Teams to improve safety within health facilities nationwide.” Institutions are also expected to improve access control, surveillance systems, visitor identification procedures, and security around emergency units and other sensitive service areas.
Liaison Officers and Reporting Mechanisms
Ms Kachollom directed every institution to designate liaison officers for engagement with law enforcement agencies and ensure security operations within hospitals do not endanger patients or interrupt essential services. All incidents of assault, threats, or harassment must be promptly reported, investigated, and documented, with affected workers receiving institutional support and referrals where necessary.
Hospital managements were also directed to strengthen complaint-handling procedures, improve patient communication, and train staff in conflict prevention and de-escalation as part of broader workplace safety initiatives. The permanent secretary said broader policy recommendations would be presented to the next National Council on Health for consideration towards a national framework covering federal, state, and private health institutions.
Monitoring and Compliance
The ministry will monitor implementation against assigned responsibilities and timelines, with periodic progress reports submitted to the Coordinating Minister to ensure effective compliance nationwide. Ms Kachollom affirmed, “The federal government affirms that no grievance, disagreement or official assignment constitutes lawful justification for violence against a health worker or interference with the delivery of healthcare.”
She added that existing laws would be enforced, offenders held accountable, and all lawful measures taken to secure health facilities, protect health workers, and safeguard uninterrupted patient care. The directive aims to create a safer healthcare environment across Nigeria, ensuring that health workers can perform their duties without fear of violence or harassment.
