A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ruled that the membership of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) for medical doctors in Nigeria cannot be mandatory or imposed, but rather voluntary.

Justice DONATUS OKOROWO gave the ruling in a suit brought before the court by Dr OLUSOLA ADEYELU.

Dr ADEYELU had dragged the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and The Incorporated Trustees of the NMA to court, on his right to freedom of association.

Justice OKOROWO, in his judgment, held that membership of the NMA is voluntary, in line with Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

The court upheld the submissions of Dr ADEYELU on his right to freedom of association and also affirmed his right to associate or dissociate from the NMA.

Justice OKOROWO declared that the medical doctor may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any other association for the protection of his interests.