Abuja, April 18, 2026 — The Federal Government has charged newly appointed Medical Directors of Federal Medical Centres (FMCs) to align their leadership with government policies and priorities, with a strong emphasis on industrial harmony, quality healthcare delivery, and patient safety.
The directive was issued by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, during the presentation of appointment letters to six Medical Directors in Abuja on Friday. Two of the appointees were reappointed for a second term, while four received fresh appointments.
Dr. Salako urged the new helmsmen to fully understand and implement government policies in their respective institutions, stressing that their actions must reflect national healthcare priorities.
“I want to encourage you to be fully abreast of the policies and priorities of government and ensure that they are significantly reflected in everything you do,” he said.
The Minister highlighted industrial harmony as a critical component of effective healthcare delivery, advising the Medical Directors to maintain open communication with staff unions and adopt inclusive leadership styles.
“You must maintain an open-door policy and continuously engage with unions. Engagement allows issues to be resolved early and helps sustain peace within the system,” he added.
He also underscored the importance of patient-centered care, warning against the rejection of patients under any circumstances. According to him, the Ministry has established a task force on clinical governance and patient safety, urging the new directors to replicate similar mechanisms in their facilities to ensure continuous feedback and improvement.
Addressing the persistent human resource challenges in the health sector, Dr. Salako called on the appointees to take advantage of the Federal Government’s fast-track waiver system for recruitment to fill critical staffing gaps.
“We now have a faster waiver system for employment, but some institutions are slow to respond. You must act promptly to strengthen your workforce,” he said.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom, represented by Dr. Kamil Shoretire, urged the Medical Directors to improve service delivery, manage resources efficiently, and maintain cordial relationships with host communities.
“Government is investing heavily in the health sector, yet gaps remain. We expect an upward trajectory in performance and a stronger commitment to the well-being of Nigerians,” she stated.
Speaking on behalf of the newly appointed Medical Directors, Dr. Evinly A. Nzeribe of FMC Okigwe pledged their commitment to advancing the government’s healthcare agenda and improving service delivery nationwide.
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Similarly, Dr. Adamu Abdullahi Atterwharmie of FMC Birnin Kudu, who spoke for the reappointed directors, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Ministry for the confidence reposed in them, assuring that they would diligently implement government policies and justify their reappointment.
The appointed Medical Directors include Dr. Adamu Abdullahi Atterwharmie (FMC Birnin Kudu, second term), Dr. Evinly A. Nzeribe (FMC Okigwe), Dr. Umar Baba Musami (FNPH Maiduguri), Dr. Mu’azu S.I (FMC Kumo), Dr. Omo Ekeneam (FMC Asaba), and Dr. Abubakar Usman (FMC Bida, second term).
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