Enough is enough! After that shocking EFCC incident at Uyo Teaching Hospital that shut down services, the Federal Government has finally cracked the whip to protect our health workers.

So, big moves from the Federal Government this week - and honestly, it's long overdue.

According to cbinews.tv, the FG has ordered the immediate implementation of measures to protect health workers across the country. And they mean business.

Here’s what’s happening: all Federal Tertiary Health Institutions have now been told to up their security game. We're talking stronger internal security, dedicated Violence Prevention Teams, better access control, CCTV surveillance, and proper visitor ID checks - especially in emergency units and other sensitive areas.

This all comes after the report from the Ministerial Committee on the Harassment of Health Workers by Security Personnel was submitted. Remember that ugly incident at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) in Akwa Ibom? Where EFCC operatives clashed with hospital staff, disrupted services and triggered a strike? The Committee was actually set up on May 19, 2026, because of that very incident.

In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, the government made it crystal clear: no grievance, no disagreement, no official assignment is a good enough reason to attack a health worker or stop healthcare delivery. Period.

What’s even more worrying? The Committee found Uyo was not a one-off. In the last 12 months alone, 18 incidents of assault, intimidation or harassment were reported across federal teaching hospitals - involving patients, relatives, members of the public and even security personnel. The result? Bodily injuries, trauma, damaged property, disrupted services and industrial actions.

The reasons? Poor communication, long waiting times, understaffing, poor infrastructure, emotional stress, abuse of power, and zero clear security protocols.

Now, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has accepted the recommendations and ordered immediate implementation

And listen to this - anyone who assaults, threatens, or harasses a health worker will be investigated and prosecuted under Nigerian law. The FG says the fact that there’s no specific law for violence against health workers won’t stop them from using existing criminal and civil laws. Sanctions and compensation will be pursued too.

Hospitals are also to appoint liaison officers to work with law enforcement, and any security operation inside a hospital must not endanger patients or interrupt treatment.

MEANWHILE...

On the workers' welfare side, the FG has also assured public servants that the outstanding wage award will be paid before mid-August, with promotion arrears being processed. This came out of a meeting between Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele and the JPSNC leadership led by Kabiru Minjibir.

Credit: cbinews.tv

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