With just days remaining before its 21-day ultimatum expires, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, threatening a nationwide disruption of medical services if its demands are not urgently met.
In an exclusive interview, NMA President, Professor Bala Audu, declared that the association is ready to take decisive action in defense of the country’s ailing healthcare system and the rights of its medical professionals.
“This is not a threat taken lightly. The demands we presented are fundamental to the survival of the Nigerian healthcare system and the welfare of our members. We expect the government to act with urgency,” he stated.
The dispute stems from a controversial circular released by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), which revised allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service. The NMA says the circular violates prior agreements and undermines the professional and financial well-being of doctors.
Rejecting the circular outright, Prof. Audu emphasized that such decisions should be made through mutual consultations and not unilaterally imposed by government agencies.
“We expect any directive impacting our members to emerge from dialogue—not decree,” he said.
Professor Audu revealed that although high-level meetings were initiated between the NMA and key government stakeholders—including the Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Pate, and the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako—progress has been stalled. A follow-up meeting was scheduled but delayed due to the recent passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The NMA now awaits the resumption of talks involving the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Health, and the NSIWC.
“If there is no resolution within the next few days, we may be forced to activate our nationwide strike plan,” Prof. Audu warned. “The clock is ticking.”
Katsina Chapter Lends Weight to Protest
Backing the national stance, the Katsina State branch of the NMA expressed “grave disappointment” over the controversial circular in a communique issued after its State Executive Council meeting on Saturday.
The communique, signed by Chairman Dr. Muhammadu Sani and Secretary Dr. Yahya Salisu, demanded the immediate withdrawal of the NSIWC circular and warned of possible service disruptions if their grievances are not addressed.
“The Katsina branch of the NMA hereby unequivocally rejects NSIWC’s circular dated June 27, 2025. We demand prompt government action to reverse this and fulfill all outstanding commitments,” the statement read.
As the July 23 deadline approaches, tension rises across Nigeria’s healthcare sector, with patients, hospitals, and policymakers bracing for potential fallout.
