The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has reiterated its readiness to shut down medical services across the country if its demands are not met.
The declaration comes as the 21-day ultimatum it gave the Federal Government nears its deadline of July 23,
President of the association, Prof Bala Audu, confirmed this in an exclusive interview on Sunday, stressing that the NMA is prepared to take “decisive action” if the government fails to respond appropriately.
According to him, the issues raised are essential to the “survival of Nigeria’s healthcare system” and the well-being of medical professionals nationwide.
The association issued the ultimatum on July 2, in protest of a circular released by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission on revised allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service—revisions the NMA rejected, describing them as violations of existing agreements.
“We have made our position clear. The ultimatum ends on July 23, and if the Federal Government does not address our demands, we may have no choice but to proceed with a strike,” Prof Audu said.
He argued that the circular introduced conditions “not mutually agreed upon” and that it undermines the compensation and welfare structure for doctors.
“We have rejected that circular outright. We expect that any new directive affecting our members should be the outcome of mutual consultation, not something imposed,” he stated.
Prof Audu also disclosed that the association has been holding discussions with government representatives in a bid to prevent industrial action.
“The last meeting happened two weeks ago and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate; the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako; the Permanent Secretary, the Director of Hospital Services, and the representative of minister of labour were at the meeting, and some affiliate of the NMA were present, and I was part of that meeting as well.
“The minister appreciated us, then he spoke about the issues as contained in the list of demands from the NMA.
“However, he felt that we should go for a further meeting, and another meeting was slated for last week, unfortunately, in the week, we lost the former President Muhammadu Buhari, so the meeting couldn’t be held.
“However, the next meeting is supposed to happen between us, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, which issued a circular that we feel is obnoxious, and we have rejected it. We would also meet with the Ministry of Finance and representatives from the Ministry of Health,” he added.
The NMA president expressed concern that time was running out, warning that unless the next meeting holds “within the next few days,” the association may be left with no option but to commence a strike.
“We expect that after the funeral ceremonies, government stakeholders will reconvene with us, hopefully by Monday. Otherwise, the 21-day ultimatum still stands.
“If the government fails to prioritise this matter, a strike may be inevitable,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Katsina State branch of the NMA, in a communique issued after its State Executive Council meeting on Saturday, expressed “grave disappointment” and “unequivocal condemnation” of the circular.
“NMA Katsina State branch hereby rejects National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission’s (NSIWC) circular (SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646) dated 27th June, 2025 on review of allowances for medical/dental officers in the federal public service and demands urgent government withdrawal action and fulfillment of all the demands,” the communique read.
It was jointly signed by the branch Chairman, Dr Muhammadu Sani, and Secretary, Dr Yahya Salisu, and cautioned that disruption of medical services could no longer be ruled out if urgent action is not taken.