The Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria (CCMDFTH) has raised concerns over persistent electricity challenges and recurring industrial actions in the health sector, warning that both continue to undermine efficient healthcare delivery in federal tertiary hospitals.
Gatekeepers News reports that the concerns were highlighted at the committee’s 112th Regular Meeting and 2025 Annual General Meeting held at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Keffi, Nasarawa State, from December 15 to 19, 2025.
The meeting, presided over by the outgoing Chairman, Prof. Emem Bassey, Chief Medical Director of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, brought together CMDs and MDs of federal tertiary hospitals, officials of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and key stakeholders in the health sector.
The opening ceremony coincided with the 25th anniversary of FMC Keffi and was chaired by former Nasarawa State Governor, Senator Abdullahi Adamu. Also in attendance were the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Gaza Gwamna; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom mni; the Emir of Keffi, Dr. Shehu Chindo Yamusa III; and other senior government officials.
In its observations, the committee acknowledged the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to address welfare and remuneration issues raised by health sector unions, noting that unresolved disputes have continued to disrupt service delivery nationwide.
The CMDs and MDs also received clinical and technical presentations from medical experts, pharmaceutical firms, and medical equipment manufacturers showcasing innovations aimed at improving clinical outcomes in tertiary hospitals.
A special presentation was delivered by PharmAccess, which is collaborating with the National Tertiary Health Institutions Standards Committee (NTHISC) on internationally accredited safe care standards to enhance quality, safety, and efficiency in federal tertiary hospitals.
The committee further noted approvals and waivers granted by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for recruitment to address manpower gaps, as well as ongoing efforts to re-equip hospitals and donations of drugs to several institutions across the country.
However, members expressed deep concern over the “harrowing effect” of the electricity crisis on hospital operations, describing it as a major obstacle to effective healthcare delivery.
In its resolutions, the committee commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and the leadership of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for policies and interventions aimed at strengthening the health sector. It urged the Federal Government to sustain healthcare funding and fully implement the health components of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The CMDs also called for the prompt release of approved 2024 and 2025 budgetary allocations and the completion of the 2024 capital budget disbursement to tertiary health institutions.
At the AGM, new executives were elected to steer the affairs of the committee for the next two years. Prof. Saad Ahmed, Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, emerged as Chairman, with Prof. Onyebuchi Azubuike as Vice Chairman. Other officers include Dr. Pokop Bupwatda (Secretary), Dr. Aishatu Shehu Adamu (Treasurer), and Dr. Philip Ugbodaga (Public Relations Officer).
In his acceptance speech, Prof. Ahmed pledged to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and other stakeholders to advance the Renewed Hope health agenda of the Tinubu administration.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Bassey reaffirmed the commitment of chief executives of federal tertiary hospitals to efficient service delivery, institutional integrity, and social responsibility across Nigeria’s public health system.
