The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government of Nigeria, demanding the immediate withdrawal of a controversial circular on allowance reviews and calling for the resolution of longstanding issues affecting doctors and other healthcare professionals in the country.
At a press briefing held in Abuja, the NMA President, Professor Bala Audu, described the circular—released by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission on June 27, 2025—as “misleading,” “inadequate,” and a breach of previous collective bargaining agreements.
“We reject this circular in its entirety,” said Prof. Audu. “It contradicts agreements reached in 2001, 2009, 2014, and 2021 and was issued without consultation with the NMA.”
⚠️ Doctors Threaten Nationwide Strike
Unless the Federal Government reverses the circular and fulfills the association’s 18-point demand, the Nigerian Medical Association warned it could begin a nationwide doctors’ strike, severely affecting healthcare delivery across Nigeria.
The association expressed deep concern over the government’s handling of medical welfare, emphasizing that the wellbeing of healthcare workers directly impacts the quality of care for the Nigerian populace.
“We have waited patiently and shown goodwill,” Audu said. “But our members are growing increasingly frustrated by continued neglect.”
📌 Key Demands by the NMA Include:
Immediate withdrawal of the June 27 circular
Revised salary adjustments and implementation of previously agreed allowances
Payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund
Full implementation of clinical duty and excess workload allowances
Universal application of CONMESS salary structure across all government levels
Reversal of non-medical consultants appointments in public hospitals
Retirement age review and improved health insurance coverage for doctors
Commencement of fresh Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations
🩺 NMA Calls for Presidential Intervention
Prof. Audu called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly, and key stakeholders to urgently intervene to avoid disruption in the health sector.
“We are under oath to protect lives,” he said. “But the government must also fulfill its obligations to those who care for the sick.”
💬 Dialogue, Not Disruption—Yet
While the NMA reiterated its commitment to peaceful dialogue and engagement, it stressed that further delay could lead to mass withdrawal of medical services if their demands are not addressed by the end of the ultimatum.
“We are responsible professionals. But this silence from the government has gone on too long,” said Audu.
📉 Impact on Nigeria’s Health Sector
Healthcare workers have increasingly voiced concerns over poor remuneration, lack of career progression, and worsening working conditions. Analysts warn that a full-scale strike by Nigerian doctors would paralyze the nation’s already fragile health system.
The current standoff adds to the challenges of brain drain, with hundreds of Nigerian doctors migrating abroad for better opportunities.
🔍 Conclusion
The Nigerian Medical Association’s 21-day ultimatum signals growing unrest in the health sector. With the threat of a doctors’ strike looming, attention now turns to the Federal Government’s next move.
Will President Tinubu heed the warning and act swiftly to avoid a crisis in Nigeria’s healthcare system?