Last checked 11 October 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice.

Where your rights come from

Nigeria’s Patients’ Bill of Rights was launched on 31 July 2018. It was developed by the Consumer Protection Council (now the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC), the Federal Ministry of Health and other stakeholders. It brings together rights found in laws such as the National Health Act 2014. The Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act 2017 adds a duty to treat people with gunshot wounds.

Information and consent

• Clear information: about your condition, treatment options, benefits, risks, costs and likely outcomes, in a language you understand (National Health Act, section 23).
• Take part in decisions: you can take part in planning your treatment.
• Refuse care: you can refuse care after you have been told what refusing could mean for you.
• Research: you can agree or decline to take part in research, experimental procedures or clinical trials.

Costs, records and privacy

• Costs: you should be told the cost, or an estimate, of your treatment and receive a clear, itemised bill.
• Records and staff: you can access your records, information on the services offered, and the identity and qualifications of the staff treating you.
• Confidentiality: your health information is confidential (National Health Act, section 26). It can be shared only in limited cases, such as with your written consent, by court order or law, or where keeping it private would seriously threaten public health.

Respect and safe care

• You must be treated with respect, whatever your gender, religion, ethnicity, location, disability or income, and even if you are accused of a crime.
• You have the right to care in a clean, safe and secure environment, and to equal quality of care if you have a disability.
• You can receive visitors, including for religious purposes, in line with the facility’s rules.
• You should be told if the professional caring for you will stop, and be handed over safely.
• Your wishes, or your next of kin’s, should be respected at the time of death as far as the law allows.
• You can raise concerns about the service or staff, including abuse (National Health Act, section 30).

In an emergency

Call 112, the free national emergency line run by NEMSAS. Many states also have their own numbers.

• A health worker or facility must not refuse you emergency treatment for any reason (National Health Act, section 20). Breaking this rule can lead to a fine of ₦100,000, up to six months in prison, or both.
• Emergency care should come before cost, payment and police requirements.
• Hospitals must treat people with gunshot wounds, with or without police clearance.
• You are still expected to pay for the care afterwards.

Your responsibilities

• Give a full and honest medical history, including any medicines you take.
• Ask questions until you understand your treatment plan, and tell staff about any changes.
• Pay your bills or arrange payment. In an emergency, show that you intend to pay.
• Follow the facility’s rules and your care team’s advice, and treat other patients and staff with respect.
• Use the facility’s complaint process first, and give enough detail.

How to complain

1. The facility. Raise it with the facility first. Every facility must display how to complain. In public hospitals, ask for SERVICOM or customer care. In a private facility, you can complain to the head of the facility.
2. The professional council. If you are not satisfied, report the professional to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (doctors and dentists) or the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (nurses and midwives).
3. The FCCPC. If it is still not resolved, complain to the FCCPC online, by app, email, letter or in person. It is free, and most cases take between 1 and 45 days.

For health insurance problems, contact your HMO, an NHIA office or the NHIA call centre (info@nhia.gov.ng, +234 805 928 2008, +234 806 574 4100).

Before you complain

Write down what happened, with dates, times and the names or roles of staff involved, the facility’s name and address, any amount of money involved and what you want done. Keep copies of receipts, bills, prescriptions, test results and messages. Facilities must accept and acknowledge every complaint, so ask for a reference number or written acknowledgement.

How PBHI can help

PBH Solutions, our patient support service, helps people find their way through the health system and understand their rights as patients. Ask Ayani on this website, book a consultation or email info@poweredbyhealthinitiative.com. We cannot give legal advice or act for you in a complaint.

Sources

1. Consumer Protection Council and Federal Ministry of Health. Patients’ Bill of Rights. 2018 (copy hosted by Public Health Nigeria). https://www.publichealth.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/patient-bill-of-rights-in-nigeria-PDF.pdf
2. Delta State University Teaching Hospital. Patient rights and responsibilities (launch date of the Bill). https://delsuth.org.ng/patients/patient-right-and-responsibilities/
3. Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja. Patients’ Bill of Rights, with National Health Act references. https://fthlokoja.gov.ng/patients-and-visitors/patients-bill-of-right
4. National Health Act 2014 (sections 20, 23, 26 and 30). https://p4h.world/app/uploads/2024/06/Nigeria_National-Health-Act-2014.x80726.pdf
5. Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act 2017. https://www.judy.legal/legislation/akn/ng/act/2017/ctcgv
6. Voice of Nigeria. NEMSAS reaffirms 112 emergency medical line. August 2026. https://von.gov.ng/nemsas-reaffirms-112-emergency-medical-line/
7. FCCPC. Complaint handling. https://fccpc.gov.ng/consumers/complaint-handling/
8. FCCPC. Frequently asked questions. https://fccpc.gov.ng/about-us/faqs/
9. Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria. Complaint against a doctor. https://www.mdcn.gov.ng/page/discipline/tribunal-directions
10. Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. Reporting a nurse or midwife. http://www.nmcn.gov.ng/reporting.html
11. National Health Insurance Authority. FAQ. https://www.nhia.gov.ng/faq/
12. Lagos University Teaching Hospital. SERVICOM complaints. https://servicom.luth.gov.ng/submit-complaint

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