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How Corruption affects Healthcare at the National Hospital Abuja

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Patient-staff bribery and payment to private accounts are common practices at the National Hospital Abuja.

Mukhtar Sani’s brother, Yunusa, had descended the ladder after a plumbing fix, when he looked up and noticed that the job was not perfect. So, he climbed the ladder again. This was when he slipped and fell, the impact causing damage around his neck and back.

What happened to him afterwards could never have been imagined in a

He was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, where he was attended to and was soon referred to the National Hospital Abuja (NHA) due to the complicated nature of the surgery he required.

The Interim Invoice issued to Sani, and obtained by HumAngle, showed his brother’s medication history. The cost of his treatment, which included an x-ray, amounted to N175,780.

The invoice also indicated that his brother had been in the hospital for four days, from Feb. 6, 2020, by 10:06 p.m. until his death on Feb. 9, 2020. He was registered as patient 660461 and stayed both in the old ward of the National Hospital and the new ward.

They had a challenge with raising N500,000 within the shortest possible time for the surgery he required.

Fortunately, Yunusa’s boss was able to provide the money. Sani then approached one of the doctors with the intention to pay for the surgery. To his surprise, he was given the account details of one of the doctors.

“I refused and asked for evidence that I was sending to the hospital account,” Sani explained. “I said I wasn’t going to send it to an organisation I didn’t know.”

Previous payments made, according to the Interim Invoice HumAngle consulted, revealed that for every service/drug prescription given to the patient, a section in the document listed the names of those who billed the patient, including two receipt details for a total number of 27 different services and drugs provided.

So, when it came to payment for surgery, Sani did not send the money to the private account given to him. His refusal to do as others did cost his brother, Yunusa, his life. He died while awaiting surgery, leaving a wife and three children.

But they found a convenient excuse for his death.

“They told us that they knew he wouldn’t survive, that was why they didn’t do the surgery,” Sani said.

“I’m still fighting to get his death certificate because we have gotten some kind of sponsorship for his children’s education.”

“I wrote an application to the medical director, but I still haven’t been given. In fact, they were unable to find his file in the entire hospital, so it’s even impossible to get hold of the record that will make it possible for me to get the death certificate. I took the file number and documents of everything we did, but they are unable to find it.”

This is just one in several cases of alleged corruption at the NHA.

Give a bribe or keep waiting

The procedure for booking appointments at the NHA stipulates that: “All bookings are done in the various clinics of the hospital by Health Record Officers on duty. Patients are expected to give their hand card to the Record Officer in charge so that he/she will indicate the day, time and the Doctor to see in the next appointment.”

But this procedure is only on paper. Some intermediary staff at the hospital have devised their own rules. Such was the case with Mr and Mrs Yakubu who were patients at the hospital recently.

The couple, like Mukhtar Sani’s case, were also referred to NHA in 2020 when their six-year-old son had tonsillitis.

“We were given a letter from Nisa Premier Hospital to give to the National Hospital because they had the required equipment for our son’s surgery,” Lucy Yakubu said.

At NHA’s pediatric section, a Record Officer (RA) collected their file and shelved it. The husband and wife then waited for over four hours, hoping they would be called in to see the doctor.

When the RA returned, the couple asked why they were left waiting for so long. But there was no apology because, according to the RA, “he had a lot of other things to attend to.”

Mr Yakubu then reminded the official that their situation was an emergency because their son had not eaten properly for three days and was in pain. But that was still not enough to sway the man.

“At that moment some people walked in and he quickly attended to them,” Mr Yakubu claimed, adding that the patient appeared to have bribed the RA.

Mr Yakubu’s suspicion was confirmed when he and his wife approached a nurse and she told them that staff at the hospital prefer to attend to those who give them money. “‘If you don’t, they won’t, the nurse told us,” he recalled.

Mr Yakubu and his wife returned to Nisa Premier Hospital and relayed the incident to a nurse. She prescribed antibiotics to their son and advised them to take a local approach.

“We diluted salt in water and added alum,” Mr Yakubu narrated. “That was what helped our son.”

His wife added that when she gave birth at NHA, nurses liked to be given money before they would call a doctor “to attend to us.”

Money paid into private accounts

A HumAngle reporter visited the Ophthalmology Department of NHA for an eye test with the help of another staff member.

When she went in, the doctor was attending to patients so she had to wait. When she was finally called in, he asked a few questions before the tests began.

There were two students present and the doctor conducted the test using a machine while simultaneously teaching the students.

When they were done, he took down her details and then negotiated a price with the hospital employee that brought her. He wrote down the prescription on a piece of paper and handed it to the HumAngle reporter.

This reporter was later issued medicated glasses after payment of over N30,000 was made into the private account of the doctor (name withheld).

“There are many acts of corruption to uncover in this hospital,” a staff member who pleaded anonymity told HumAngle. “In some places, you pay directly into the doctor’s private account.”

The source also explained that patients are required or expected to pay bribes when consulting doctors who have assistants. These assistants ensure patients give them some money before they have access to a doctor.

“Also, a particular female doctor at the hospital who has her own practice has the habit of referring patients to National Hospital. But instead of the patients paying to National Hospital for the use of its facilities, they still pay to her because she ensures that she personally attends to them,” the source revealed.

There are reported cases where doctors collude with hospitals to scam Nigerians through a referral kickback scheme, but the former case is different.

When HumAngle reached out to Segun Adetola, Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Health, he said he was not the right person to speak to regarding government hospitals in the capital. He directed HumAngle to the Ministry’s Director of Hospital Services, Dr Adebiyi Adebimpe.

But Dr Adepimbe asked HumAngle to write to the Minister of Health himself.

Meanwhile, the management of the NHA appeared to have received reports of corrupt practices among staff members. Tayo Haastrup, the facility’s Public Relations Officer, said NHA now has an e-payment system “which has really blocked these kinds of loopholes.”

Haastrup, who sent his response in text messages, added that the NHA has been running the e-payment system for about three years.

A source at the hospital agreed that, indeed, the e-payment system has helped to reduce corruption within the hospital, but added that staff members still find ways to engage in fraudulent practices.

This story was produced in partnership with Civic Media Lab under its Grassroots News Project.

Culled from the Sahara Reporters

Houston

Houston and Owerri Community Mourn the Passing of Beloved Icon, Lawrence Mike Obinna Anozie

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Houston was thrown into mourning on September 19, 2025, following the sudden passing of businessman and community advocate Lawrence Mike Obinna Anozie, who peacefully joined his ancestors. Immediate family member in Houston, Nick Anozie, confirmed his untimely death and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and condolences from both the Houston and Owerri communities.

Lawrence was born to Chief Alexander and Lolo Ether Anozie of Owerri in Imo State, Nigeria, and will be dearly remembered by family members, friends, and the entire Houston community.

An accomplished accountant, the late Lawrence incorporated and successfully managed three major companies: Universal Insurance Company, LLC, Universal Mortgage LLC, and Universal Financial Services. Through these enterprises, he not only built a thriving business career but also created opportunities for countless individuals to achieve financial stability. His contributions to entrepreneurship and community development will remain a lasting legacy.

According to the family, arrangements for his final funeral rites are in progress and will be announced in due course.

Lawrence will forever be remembered as a loving and compassionate man who dedicated much of his life to uplifting others. He helped countless young Nigerians and African Americans overcome economic challenges by providing mentorship, financial guidance, and career opportunities. His generosity touched the lives of many who otherwise might not have found their footing. A devout Catholic, he was unwavering in his faith and never missed Mass, drawing strength and inspiration from his church community. To those who knew him, Lawrence was not only a successful businessman but also a pillar of kindness, humility, and faith whose legacy of service and compassion will continue to inspire generations.

For more information, please contact Nick Anozie – 832-891-2213

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Houston Gets a Taste of West Africa at Chef Kavachi’s ‘Art of Fufu’ Show, August 8

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When it comes to international culinary gems and cultures across the United States, the city of Houston is counted among one of the best places to experience an authentic taste of every corner of the world.

 On the evening of Friday, August 8th, Houstonians will have a chance to engage all of their senses into the world of real West African flavors at Grubido’s ‘Art of Fufu’ Food & Art Show, a free culinary and art experience taking place at Flatland Gallery (1709 Westheimer Rd.) in Montrose.

  Curated by Grubido founder and Culinary Cultural Curator Kavachi Ukegbu, the annual celebration of west African cuisine and artistry will once again open its doors to patrons to witness the delights of creating and eating Fufu (a starchy, dough-like food that is a staple in many West and Central African countries), and its delicious and diverse pairings of soups and stews that originate from various parts of the continent, and uniquely compliment the beloved food staple as a complete meal. The event will also celebrate the observance of National Fufu Day  in the United States on August 11th.

  From the process of how different types of fufu are grown and manufactured, to the careful guidance on properly preparing the fufu to be eaten, the ‘Art of Fufu’ Food & Art showcase will give patrons a full circle perspective and appreciation for the food staple that has gained global popularity on social media and in many countries around the world.

  Attendees will be treated to fufu and soup samples, live Afrobeats music, an impressive display of fufu inspired artwork and collectables from over the years, and the opportunity to purchase Grubido food products, t-shirts, and the official The Art of Fufu cookbook. Originally published and released by Chef Kavach in 2021, “The Art of Fufu is a fascinating and informative guide to fufu, one of the most delicious and beloved staple foods of West Africans.” All cookbook purchases at the event will be signed by Chef Kavachi.

Entry for this event is free to all guests, but RSVP is strictly required in advance. To RSVP for the upcoming Art of Fufu Food & Art show, please visit the official website online at www.TheArtofFufu.com, or contact Grubido at (832) 818-6847.

The Art of Fufu Cookbook is a culinary treasure that explores the flavors, techniques, and cultural significance of fufu. It is a testament to the artistry of West African cuisine and serves as a guide for those seeking to immerse themselves in this beloved dish.

For more information, please visit www.theartoffufu.com & www.artoffufu.com

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Houston

Video: Omambala Cultural Association in Houston Celebrates Motherhood with Joyous Igbo-Inspired Mother’s Day Event

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