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As the 21-day ultimatum it issued to the Federal Government approaches its end on July 23, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has cautioned that it will halt medical services nationwide if the government does not fulfill its demands.
In an interview on Sunday, the NMA President, Prof Bala Audu, emphasized the association's readiness to take serious measures if the government fails to adequately respond to its requests.
He highlighted that the NMA's demands are vital for the sustainability of Nigeria's healthcare system and the welfare of medical professionals across the nation.
On July 2, the NMA issued an ultimatum in response to a circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission regarding revised allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service, which the doctors opposed for breaching prior agreements.
The association set a 21-day ultimatum for the Federal Government to retract the circular and fulfill its other demands to prevent industrial action in the health sector.
“We have clearly stated our position. The ultimatum concludes on July 23, and if the Federal Government does not address our concerns, we might have no option but to initiate a strike,” he stated.
He noted that the circular includes provisions that were not mutually agreed upon and which undermine the compensation and welfare of medical professionals.
“We have outrightly rejected that circular. We expect any new directive impacting our members to be the result of mutual consultation, not something forcibly imposed,” he asserted.
Prof Audu revealed that the NMA has been in discussions with the Federal Government to prevent a crisis.
“The last meeting took place two weeks ago, attended by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate; the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako; the Permanent Secretary; the Director of Hospital Services; and a representative from the Ministry of Labour, along with some NMA affiliates. I was also present at that meeting.
“The minister acknowledged our concerns and discussed the issues outlined in the NMA's list of demands.
However, he suggested we arrange another meeting, which was planned for last week but could not occur due to the passing of the former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The next meeting is expected to include us, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, which issued the circular we consider unacceptable, as well as the Ministry of Finance and representatives from the Ministry of Health,” he added.
The NMA president expressed worry that time is limited, indicating that if the meeting does not take place within the next few days, the association may have no alternative but to resort to industrial action.
“We hope that following the funeral ceremonies, government stakeholders will meet with us again, preferably by Monday. Failing that, the 21-day ultimatum remains in effect. If the government does not prioritize this situation, a strike might become unavoidable,” he warned.
The Katsina State NMA branch, in a communique following its State Executive Council meeting, voiced “serious disappointment” and “unqualified condemnation” of the circular.
This meeting, held in Katsina on Saturday, declared that “NMA Katsina State branch hereby rejects the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission’s (NSIWC) circular (SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646) dated June 27, 2025, regarding the review of allowances for medical/dental officers in the federal public service, and demands that the government urgently withdraws this action and meets all its obligations.”
This statement was jointly signed by the Chairman of NMA Katsina, Dr Muhammadu Sani, and Secretary, Dr Yahya Salisu.
The association warned that it could not ensure the uninterrupted provision of health services if its demands are not addressed.
