With the 21-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government set to expire on July 23, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has warned that it may shut down medical services across the country if its demands are not met.
NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, disclosed this in an exclusive interview on Sunday, stating that the association is prepared to take decisive action if the government fails to respond appropriately.
“Our demands are fundamental to the survival of Nigeria’s healthcare system and to the welfare of medical professionals nationwide,” Audu said.
The NMA issued the ultimatum on July 2, in protest against a circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) on revised allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service. The association rejected the circular, alleging that it violates previous agreements.
“We have made our position clear. The ultimatum ends on July 23. If the Federal Government does not address our concerns, we may have no choice but to embark on strike,” Prof. Audu warned.
According to him, the provisions in the circular were not mutually agreed upon and undermine the remuneration structure and welfare of medical professionals.
“We have rejected that circular outright. Any directive that affects our members must be the outcome of mutual consultation—not a unilateral imposition,” he insisted.
Prof. Audu confirmed that the NMA has been engaging with the Federal Government in an effort to avoid industrial action.
“The last meeting was held two weeks ago and was attended by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate; the Minister of State, Dr. Iziaq Salako; the Permanent Secretary, Director of Hospital Services, and a representative from the Ministry of Labour. Some NMA affiliates and I were also present,” he explained.
He added that while the Minister of Health acknowledged their concerns and recommended further dialogue, a subsequent meeting scheduled for last week was postponed due to the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“The next meeting is supposed to include the NSIWC, which issued the controversial circular, as well as officials from the Ministries of Health and Finance,” Audu said, expressing concern that time is running out.
“We hope that once the funeral ceremonies are concluded, the relevant stakeholders will reconvene with us—hopefully by Monday. Otherwise, the ultimatum still stands, and a strike may become inevitable if progress is not made,” he cautioned.
Meanwhile, the NMA Katsina State branch, in a communiqué issued after its State Executive Council meeting on Saturday, strongly condemned the circular and demanded its immediate withdrawal.
The statement, jointly signed by the branch Chairman, Dr. Muhammadu Sani, and Secretary, Dr. Yahya Salisu, expressed “grave disappointment” and “unequivocal condemnation” of the NSIWC’s circular dated June 27, 2025 (Ref: SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646).
“The NMA Katsina State branch hereby rejects the NSIWC circular on the review of allowances for medical/dental officers in the federal public service and demands urgent government action to withdraw it and fulfil all outstanding demands,” the communiqué stated.
The branch also warned that it could not guarantee uninterrupted health services if the issues are not resolved.
