Mirian Gom 
House of Representative
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria’s House of Representatives has on Thursday launched an investigation into the rising trend of medical consultants and other personnel in public hospitals engaging in private practice during official work hours, a practice lawmakers say is compromising patient care and weakening the health system.
The resolution followed a motion raised by Jessie Onuakalusi (LP, Lagos), who described the behaviour as “unethical” and alleged that consultants at the National Hospital, Abuja, routinely abandon patients to attend to private clinics. “This divided attention leads to negligence, delays and, in some cases, avoidable deaths,” he warned.
Citing an autopsy-based study, Onuakalusi noted that around 11 per cent of deaths recorded over a decade at the National Hospital were linked to lapses attributed to doctors, added that his concerns were reinforced by personal experience involving the treatment of a relative.
The lawmaker called for a comprehensive audit of doctors and consultants across federal teaching hospitals, assessing attendance records, contractual terms and potential involvement in private practice during working hours. He also urged the Nigerian Medical Association, the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to collaborate with the committee.
The motion triggered debate, with former Deputy Speaker Idris Wase (APC, Plateau) cautioning that the issue was “contentious,” arguing that poor pay and working conditions have pushed many medical professionals to seek supplemental income. “Doctors should not abandon their work, but after official hours they should be free to practise privately,” he said.
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen clarified that the motion was not a ban on private practice but a call for monitoring. “Doctors may run private clinics, but not at the expense of their duties,” he said.
Despite concerns about practicality, the House adopted the motion and will constitute an ad hoc committee to lead the investigation.
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