Former Nigerian senator Ibrahim Musa Kontagora has tragically died following a medical emergency in Abuja, after Nizamiye Hospital reportedly refused to proceed with a critical surgery due to an outstanding balance of $15,000.
Kontagora, who represented Niger North Senatorial District between 2011 and 2015, was rushed to the hospital earlier this week with a condition requiring urgent surgical intervention. According to family sources, doctors advised immediate surgery but the hospital insisted on full advance payment of a $30,000 bill before the procedure could begin.
“We paid $15,000 and pleaded with them to begin treatment while we tried to raise the rest,” a relative told newsmen. “They refused, saying it was their policy to collect the full amount upfront.”
Despite frantic fundraising efforts, including reported contributions from Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago, the delay proved fatal, with the senator passing away before the surgery could be performed.
Nizamiye Hospital acknowledged its pre-payment policy but declined responsibility for the senator’s death, citing institutional procedures.
Tributes have poured in from political figures across party lines. Senator Aliyu Abdullahi described Kontagora as “a dedicated public servant,” while others criticised the Nigerian healthcare system for its prioritisation of payment over emergency care.
Kontagora is survived by his wife and children. His funeral is scheduled for Thursday at 4:00 p.m. at the National Mosque in Abuja, in line with Islamic rites.
News of the senator’s death has sparked outrage on social media, with many Nigerians highlighting the broader crisis of medical access in the country:
@Brighter6N: “This is what ordinary Nigerians suffer daily but the government doesn’t see a need to do the needful.”
@chukwueloka88: “He suffered the same fate that an average Nigerian will suffer, due to poverty and a failed health care system.”
@jacobdumuje: “Another confirmation that many people would rather pay to bury you than rescue you. It’s sad!”
@iamayims: “Why is the hospital charging in dollars?”
While some criticised the late senator’s political class, others mourned what they described as a “humble man loved by his people in Niger North.”
The tragedy has once again reignited debate around healthcare reform, emergency protocols, and dollar-based billing in Nigerian private hospitals.
