Pate Intervenes As EFCC Apologises, Urges UUTH Workers To End Strike

The directive comes amid the controversy surrounding a recent operation carried out by officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission at the hospital.

In a letter dated May 14, 2026, addressed to the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, M. M. Bassey, Pate disclosed that senior EFCC officials met with representatives of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and admitted that errors were made during the incident.

According to the minister, the EFCC officials acknowledged responsibility for the unfortunate development and conveyed apologies to the affected staff and patients through the ministry.

Pate urged the hospital management to persuade the striking workers to resume duties in the interest of public healthcare delivery.

He stated that, following the apology and ongoing engagements, health workers should immediately call off the strike and continue providing medical services to the public.

The industrial action followed reports that armed EFCC operatives invaded the hospital on Tuesday during an enforcement exercise, creating panic within the facility.

Medical workers and professional associations alleged that some health personnel were intimidated during the operation, while patients and their relatives reportedly fled parts of the hospital as security agents moved around the premises.

The incident was said to have disrupted medical activities, delayed patient care and increased tension among hospital staff.

In response, Pate announced the formation of a ministerial committee to investigate repeated incidents involving clashes between security operatives and healthcare workers in hospitals nationwide.

He explained that the committee would include representatives from the Nigerian Medical Association, Joint Health Sector Unions, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, human rights groups, the Committee of Chief Medical Directors, and senior ministry officials.

According to the minister, the committee has been tasked with examining both the immediate and underlying causes of such incidents and recommending measures to prevent future occurrences.

He added that the panel would be inaugurated immediately and is expected to submit its report within two weeks.