The Federal Government has suspended the controversial circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission that revised allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service.
Dated June 27, 2025, with reference number SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646, the circular sparked outrage from key medical bodies, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
The NMA, which had earlier issued a 21-day ultimatum on June 2, warned of a nationwide shutdown of medical services if the circular was not withdrawn by July 23.
NMA President, Prof. Audu Bala, said the provisions in the document were not jointly agreed upon and threatened the welfare of medical professionals.
Speaking on Monday, NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, confirmed the suspension, saying: “Arising from the meeting chaired by Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy with his capacity as the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Salaries today, it was agreed that the implementation of circular with reference number SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646, dated 27 June 2025, should be suspended to allow for further consultation with various professional associations. So, it has been suspended for further negotiations.”
More details to follow…