Prof. Afekhide Ernest Omoti has emerged as the new National President of the Nigerian Medical Association.
He won the election at the NMA's 66th Annual General Conference in Kano with 253 votes.
His opponent, Dr. Nosa Lancy Orhue, secured 143 votes in the keenly contested race.
Omoti is a Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.
Minutes after his swearing-in on Sunday, the new leader painted a bleak picture of healthcare in Nigeria. He told reporters that doctors in some facilities work in spaces unsuitable even for animals.
"Yet we expect them to perform optimally," Omoti noted during a post-conference briefing. His words underscored the dire circumstances medical professionals face daily across the country.
According to him, poor working conditions are pushing qualified doctors out of Nigeria at alarming rates. Alongside inadequate compensation, these factors are driving the migration trend known as "Japa."
"Our country is in crisis. There are no doctors," he said bluntly.
Only a handful remain, he added, and they're stretched to their limits.
Omoti stressed that Nigerian doctors rank among the world's lowest-paid professionals. No healthcare worker should tolerate underpayment, excessive taxation, and dangerous workplaces simultaneously, he argued.
"The time to change this narrative is now," the NMA president declared. His words resonated with the broader frustrations within the medical community.
He also criticised the government's chronic underinvestment in healthcare. Nigeria currently dedicates just four to six percent of its budget to the health sector.
The Abuja Declaration set a 15 percent target decades ago. Omoti said meeting that benchmark would unlock visible improvements in hospital facilities and service quality.
Many doctors work excessively long shifts without proper rest or meals, he revealed. Institutional support remains virtually non-existent for these essential workers.
On potential strike action, Omoti adopted a measured but firm stance. The NMA would pursue talks first, but wouldn't hesitate to down tools if necessary.
"If the government does not do what is required, there will be a strike," he warned bluntly. Dialogue remains the preferred route, however.
The association is demanding better pay, improved workplace safety, and tax-exempted allowances for doctors. It also wants the consolidated medical salary structure implemented uniformly across federal, state, and local tiers.
Other officers elected for the 2026–2028 term include Dr. Abayomi Oluseye Olajide as Financial Secretary.
Prof. Olayinka Atilola takes the Publicity Secretary role, while Prof.
Anas Ismail becomes Editor-in-Chief.
The conference ran for seven days, from April 26 through May 2. Kano hosted the significant gathering of medical professionals.
