With its 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government set to expire on July 23, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has warned of a possible nationwide shutdown of medical services if its demands are not addressed.
The NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, reaffirmed the association’s readiness to take decisive action, saying, “We have made our position clear. The ultimatum ends on July 23, and if the Federal Government does not address our demands, we may have no choice but to proceed with a strike.”
The ultimatum, issued on July 2, was prompted by a circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, which introduced revised allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal service. The NMA contends the new directive violates previously reached agreements and undermines the welfare of its members.
“We have rejected that circular outright,” Prof. Audu said. “We expect that any new directive affecting our members should be the outcome of mutual consultation, not something imposed.”
According to him, the association’s demands are essential to the survival of Nigeria’s health system and to ensuring fair treatment for medical professionals.
Prof. Audu revealed that the NMA had engaged the government in talks to avoid a crisis. A previous meeting involving key officials, including the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, and other senior representatives from the health ministry, addressed the doctors’ grievances. However, a follow-up meeting scheduled for last week was postponed due to the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“The next meeting is supposed to involve the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Health, and the Salaries and Wages Commission,” he said. “We hope that after the funeral ceremonies, talks can resume—hopefully by Monday.”
NMA calls for swift action
He warned that unless discussions resume swiftly and yield results, the association may have no alternative but to begin industrial action. “If the government fails to prioritise this matter, a strike may be inevitable,” he cautioned.
Meanwhile, the Katsina State branch of the NMA has also voiced strong opposition to the controversial circular. In a communiqué issued after its State Executive Council meeting on Saturday, the branch described the circular as unacceptable and demanded immediate withdrawal.
The statement, signed by Dr. Muhammadu Sani (Chairman) and Dr. Yahya Salisu (Secretary), declared, “NMA Katsina State branch hereby rejects National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission’s (NSIWC) circular dated June 27, 2025… and demands urgent government withdrawal and fulfilment of all the demands.”
The Katsina NMA warned that continued government silence could result in service disruptions, stressing it would not be able to guarantee the uninterrupted operation of health facilities if no action is taken.
