NMA Urges Doctors to Lead Fight Against Quackery, Uphold Ethical Standards

Abah Felicity August 27, 2026 2 minutes read

ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called on doctors to take the lead in combating quackery and unethical practices in Nigeria’s health sector, stressing that restoring public confidence in healthcare begins with maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.

The appeal was made by the NMA President, Prof. Afekhide Omoti, at the association’s First Ordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the newly inaugurated National Officers’ Committee held in Abuja on Wednesday.

The meeting, themed “Transforming Healthcare Practice in Nigeria: Building Trust, Accountability and Collaborative Excellence,” brought together medical practitioners, policymakers, government officials and other stakeholders to discuss the future of healthcare delivery in the country.

Prof. Omoti said the association remained committed to eliminating quackery but insisted that licensed medical professionals must also uphold ethical conduct to strengthen confidence in the profession.

“The fight against quackery must remain a major priority. But while we fight external threats, we must also uphold the highest ethical standards within our own profession,” he said.

He noted that Nigeria’s healthcare system is facing mounting challenges, including the activities of unqualified practitioners, increasing migration of healthcare professionals, workforce shortages, rising patient expectations and concerns about patient safety.

According to him, rebuilding trust will require accountability, professionalism and stronger collaboration across the health sector.

Omoti observed that rapid technological changes, evolving disease patterns and the continued emigration of skilled health workers have placed additional strain on Nigeria’s healthcare system.

He stressed that tackling these challenges requires not only stronger regulation but also continuous professional development and adherence to ethical medical practice.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr. Emeka Ayogu, described professional standards and teamwork as essential pillars of quality healthcare delivery.

“Standards define how we should practise, and teamwork defines how we practise together to deliver the outcomes we all want,” Ayogu said.

He added that both factors are critical to improving patient safety and strengthening public confidence in healthcare services.

Similarly, the Chairman of the NMA Federal Capital Territory Branch, Dr. George Ebong, pledged the support of the FCT chapter for the new national leadership.