As the July 23 deadline approaches, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a stern warning that it may shut down medical services across the country if the Federal Government fails to meet its outstanding demands.
Speaking to Journalist on Sunday, the NMA President, Professor Bala Audu, said the association is fully prepared to take decisive action if its grievances are not addressed.
“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,” he declared.
The NMA’s demands stem from a circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), which revised allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service. According to the NMA, the changes violate previous agreements and pose a threat to the welfare of medical professionals.
“We have rejected that circular outright. We expect that any new directive affecting our members should be the outcome of mutual consultation, not something imposed,” Prof Audu stated.
He stressed that the association’s demands were fundamental to the sustainability of Nigeria’s healthcare system and the dignity of those working within it.
“The circular contains provisions that were not mutually agreed upon and which undermine the remuneration and welfare of medical professionals,” he added.
Efforts to resolve the issue have been ongoing. The NMA president disclosed that key meetings had been held with top government officials, including the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, the Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Salako, and representatives from the Ministries of Finance and Labour.
“The last meeting happened two weeks ago,” he explained. “The Minister of Health appreciated our concerns and proposed further engagement. Unfortunately, the next meeting was postponed due to the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.”
Another round of discussions is expected to take place shortly, involving the Ministries of Health and Finance as well as the NSIWC. However, Professor Audu expressed concern that the window for intervention is closing.
“We expect that after the funeral ceremonies, government stakeholders will reconvene with us, hopefully by Monday. Otherwise, the 21-day ultimatum still stands. If the government fails to prioritise this matter, a strike may be inevitable,” he warned.
The protest is also gaining momentum at the state level. In Katsina, the state chapter of the NMA issued a strongly worded communique after its State Executive Council meeting, rejecting the controversial circular and demanding its immediate withdrawal.
“NMA Katsina State branch hereby rejects the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission’s circular dated 27th June, 2025 on review of allowances for medical/dental officers in the federal public service,” the communique stated.
Signed by the state chairman, Dr Muhammadu Sani, and secretary, Dr Yahya Salisu, the document also called on the Federal Government to meet all outstanding demands.
The Katsina NMA warned that failure to act swiftly could lead to disruptions in healthcare delivery, stating that it could not “guarantee non-disruption of health services” if its demands were ignored.
