Medical professionals across Nigeria may halt services nationwide starting Thursday, as the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) prepares for a potential strike following the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government.
Speaking with reporters on Sunday, NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, emphasized that the government’s failure to address key concerns affecting doctors’ welfare and the health sector at large would leave the association with no option but to embark on industrial action.
“These issues are not only about our members’ welfare,” Audu stated. “They directly impact the sustainability of the healthcare system in Nigeria.”
The association’s grievances center around a circular released by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, which reviewed certain allowances for medical and dental officers. The NMA argues that the directive contradicts existing agreements and was implemented without proper consultation.
On July 2, the NMA issued a 21-day ultimatum demanding the withdrawal of the circular and the resolution of other longstanding concerns, warning of a possible strike if the matters remain unresolved.
“We’ve made our stance very clear,” said Audu. “If nothing changes by July 23, the strike will proceed.”
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He added that several of the provisions in the circular were never part of previous negotiations and that the imposition of such policies undermines fair remuneration practices.
Engagements between the NMA and the government have been ongoing. Audu confirmed that a high-level meeting took place two weeks ago, involving the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Minister of State, Dr. Iziaq Salako, and other key officials from relevant ministries and departments.
“The Minister acknowledged our concerns and agreed to further discussions,” Audu explained. “Another meeting was scheduled for last week but was postponed following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.”
According to him, a follow-up meeting involving representatives from the Finance Ministry, the Health Ministry, and the Salaries and Wages Commission is expected soon. However, with time running out, the NMA says a prompt resolution is critical.
“Unless concrete steps are taken within the next few days, we may be forced to withdraw our services,” he warned.
Meanwhile, the Katsina State branch of the NMA has echoed the national body’s frustration. In a communiqué issued after a weekend executive council meeting, the branch strongly criticized the controversial circular and called for its immediate withdrawal.
The document, signed by branch chairman Dr. Muhammadu Sani and secretary Dr. Yahya Salisu, expressed “deep disappointment” with the federal government’s handling of the matter and reiterated the call for urgent intervention.
The Katsina NMA warned that failure to meet the doctors’ demands could result in significant disruption to health services in the state and beyond.
