The Federal Government has suspended the implementation of a controversial circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, which reviewed the allowances of medical and dental officers in the federal public service.
The circular, dated June 27, 2025 (Ref No. SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646), had sparked widespread outrage from key medical bodies, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
The NMA had earlier issued a 21-day ultimatum on June 2, demanding that the circular be withdrawn and other pending issues addressed, warning that failure to do so could trigger a nationwide shutdown of medical services. The ultimatum was set to expire on July 23.
NMA President, Prof. Audu Bala, criticized the circular, describing it as one-sided and detrimental to the welfare and remuneration of medical professionals. He noted that several provisions were neither discussed nor agreed upon with medical associations.
Amid rising tensions and the looming threat of industrial action, the Federal Government convened a high-level meeting chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, in his capacity as Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Salaries.
Speaking exclusively to reporters on Monday, Dr. Tope Osundara, President of NARD, confirmed that the circular has been suspended.
“Arising from the meeting chaired by the Honourable Minister of Finance… it was agreed that the implementation of the circular dated 27 June 2025 should be suspended to allow for further consultation with various professional associations,” Osundara stated.
The development is expected to ease tensions in the health sector and open the door for renewed dialogue between the government and health sector stakeholders on remuneration and welfare reforms.