By Abubakar Haruna Muhammad (9News Nigeria Northeast)
The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Borno State Branch has held a press conference to announce its new leadership and outline key projects and programs for the state.
The newly elected State Officers Council emerged following the election conducted on Saturday, 25th July 2026.
Leading the new council is Dr. Kaka Mahdi Gazali as Chairman while Dr. Bukar Ali Shettima will serve as Vice Chairman.
Dr. Babagana Bukar Kumshe was named Secretary, Dr. Suleiman Muhammad Farusi, Assistant Secretary, Dr. Abubakar M. Ngubdo, Treasurer and Dr. Aidah Abba Wajes as Financial Secretary.
Dr. Abubakar Sadik Muhammad, also known as Wajiro, will serve as Publicity Secretary and Dr. Mohammed Goni, Social and Welfare Officer.
Speaking at the press conference in Maiduguri, the Chairman, Dr. Gazali, said the administration will focus on improving doctors’ welfare and healthcare delivery across Borno.
He stated that the association will advocate for the full implementation of CONMESS and the approved Professional Allowance Table in all state health institutions.
He also said the NMA will push for a review of allowances for doctors on locum and sabbatical appointments to reduce pressure on resident doctors and help retain medical professionals in the state.
On working conditions, the Chairman announced plans to pursue minimum standards for doctors’ call rooms, clinics, emergency units and hospital wards.
He explained that this is to ensure healthcare workers operate in safe and dignified environments while patients receive better care.Regarding workplace safety, he said protecting healthcare workers remains a top priority for the association.
He outlined plans to work with security agencies, advocate for improved hospital security infrastructure, and promote smart surveillance systems where feasible.
The association also plans to increase community engagement to address harassment and violence against medical personnel.
For professional development, the Chairman said the NMA will push for the domestication and implementation of the Medical Residency Training Fund.
He added that the association will support the accreditation of new residency programs while sustaining standards in existing ones.
He further announced plans to partner with Nigerian doctors in the diaspora through structured exchange programs for skills transfer, research and capacity building.
To modernize healthcare, he said the association will strengthen continuous medical education, promote telemedicine, improve digital communication platforms, and use data to drive advocacy.
On doctors’ welfare and unity, the Chairman unveiled plans to establish a “Borno Doctors’ Hub” as a recreational and networking center for medical professionals.
He noted that the hub will support mental health and wellbeing and help build stronger relationships among colleagues.
He also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to regular medical outreach programs in underserved rural communities.
The Chairman commended the state government for enhancing rural allowances and providing official vehicles for doctors serving in rural areas.
He appealed for the full delivery of those promises and requested similar support for doctors in urban and tertiary health facilities.
On housing, he acknowledged the construction of doctors’ quarters by the government and called for more to be built across the state, especially at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital and other institutions yet to benefit.
He also appealed to the government to support the association with a utility vehicle and a befitting NMA State Secretariat to improve coordination and outreach.
He called on government at all levels, development partners, hospital CEOs, medical elders, colleagues and the public to partner with the association to achieve these projects.
He concluded that the new administration is committed to transparency, accountability and service, and is ready to begin work immediately to build a stronger NMA and a healthier Borno State.
