By Alade Adisa
Medical doctors in the country under the aegis of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, have issued a 21-day notice of total and indefinite strike over alleged failure by the federal government to address their demands.
The decision to embark on the strike was taken at the Emergency Delegates Meeting, EDM, held in Abuja on the 26th July, 2025.
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The communique signed by the NMA President, Prof Bala Audu and Secretary General, Dr.Jamin Egbo, explained that the meeting was called at the instance of the National Officers Committee, NOC, of the association.
It was in response to the recent circular released by the National Salaries income and Wages Commission, NSIWC, on the review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Scale, CONMESS, for medical doctors, the persistent delay of the Federal Government to pay the accrued seven-month arrears of the 25/35% arrears of the last CONMESS adjustment.
The association also listed the failure of the FG to respect previously signed collective bargaining agreements and the seemingly neglect of the health sector by the government at all levels, as well as other demands as itemised by the association.
“The EDM, following extensive deliberations, unanimously condemned the attitude of the Federal Government to the welfare of its members and the persistent attitude of government officials to issues affecting Nigerian doctors.
“The EDM issued a 21-day notice of a total and indefinite strike in line with the relevant labour laws, effective from 27th July 2025, should the Government fail to address its demands comprehensively within this period.
“The EDM remains optimistic that the Government, in its concern for the health needs of Nigerian citizens, and the welfare of the patriotic Nigerian doctors working tirelessly under unpleasant conditions and economic realities, will be responsive to these concerns to avert this impending industrial disharmony in the health sector.
“The EDM mandated the NOC and the NTNT to bring their experience to bear in all engagements with the Nigerian government to deliver tangible results to the Nigerian doctor,” the communique read in part.
The NMA expressed its sincere appreciation to all delegates of the association who attended the meeting from the 36 states and the FCT and called on all Nigerian doctors to remain steadfast and committed to the shared vision and collective goal of the association.
“The EDM noted the efforts of the NOC and the National Technical Negotiating Team·(NTNT) in previous and current negotiations with all responsible agencies of the Government.
The EDM expressed displeasure that none of the 19 demands of the Association have been comprehensively addressed by the Government.
“The EDM noted that the Nigerian people who are recipients of the services provided by members of the Association are grappling with economic hardship and deserve some consideration despite the attitude of the Government negotiating team.
The EDM decried the persistent neglect of our health sector by the leadership of Government at all levels, instead seeking·medical care in foreign countries, thereby encouraging medical tourism.
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“The EDM expressed concern that these actions and inactions of the government at all levels are capable of increasing brain drain and worsening our already subpar health indices in the country.
“The EDM frowned at the persistent neglect of the health sector of Nigeria and the nonchalant attitude of the government agencies in implementing already signed agreements and directives of the federal government,” it further read.
