Medical professionals across Nigeria may down tools from Thursday, July 25, following the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum issued by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) over unresolved demands concerning doctors’ welfare and remuneration.
The association has maintained that unless the Federal Government urgently addresses its concerns, medical services nationwide will be suspended.
“The ultimatum ends on July 23. If our demands are not met by then, we may have no choice but to commence a nationwide strike,” the president of the association stated, expressing deep frustration over what he described as the government’s slow response to critical issues affecting the healthcare sector.
At the heart of the dispute is a controversial circular released by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, which revised allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal service. The association strongly opposes the circular, claiming it undermines previous agreements and fails to reflect the realities of the profession.
“We rejected that circular outright. It contains provisions that were not mutually agreed upon and cannot be imposed unilaterally. Any directive affecting our members should emerge from proper consultation,” the president said.
He explained that the NMA has held engagements with relevant ministries and agencies, including the Ministries of Health, Labour, and Finance, in an effort to resolve the matter without resorting to industrial action.
“A recent meeting with top government officials gave us some hope, but further dialogue was postponed due to national mourning. Time is running out, and we are yet to reconvene. If nothing happens soon, a strike may be inevitable.”
The president further emphasized that the NMA’s demands are not only about allowances but also about the survival of the health system and the dignity of medical professionals who continue to work under increasingly difficult conditions.
“We are not just fighting for ourselves. We are fighting for a functional health system that retains skilled professionals and delivers quality care to Nigerians.”
Meanwhile, a state chapter of the association expressed its dissatisfaction in strong terms, reiterating its rejection of the circular and demanding that the government act swiftly to meet all outstanding demands.
With tensions rising, all eyes are now on the government to act before the looming deadline, or risk widespread disruption in the country’s already strained healthcare services.
