Nigerian Medical Association demands urgent withdrawal of disputed circular, warns of crippling industrial action from July 23 if concerns are not addressed
Medical services across Nigeria may be paralyzed from Thursday, July 23, as the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has vowed to embark on a nationwide strike if the Federal Government fails to meet its demands, including the immediate withdrawal of a controversial circular affecting doctors' allowances.
President of the NMA, Prof. Bala Audu, in an exclusive interview on Sunday, confirmed the association's readiness to take decisive industrial action, stressing that their demands are essential for the survival of Nigeria’s healthcare system and the well-being of medical professionals.
“The ultimatum ends on July 23. If the Federal Government does not address our demands before then, we may have no choice but to down tools,” Audu warned.
The crisis stems from a circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), dated June 27, 2025, which reviewed allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service. The NMA has rejected the circular, claiming it contains provisions that were not mutually agreed upon and violates existing agreements.
“We have made our position clear. The circular undermines our welfare and was imposed without proper consultation. That is unacceptable,” Audu said
On July 2, the association issued a 21-day ultimatum, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the circular and the resolution of other outstanding issues affecting its members. Since then, the NMA has been engaging with key government stakeholders, including the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, and other top officials from the Ministries of Health, Finance, and Labour.
A planned follow-up meeting was disrupted last week due to the death and funeral of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Audu stated that unless the postponed discussions are reconvened immediately, the association would be forced to activate the strike plan.
“We were meant to meet again last week, but due to national mourning, the meeting couldn’t be held. We expect a reconvening by Monday. If not, we proceed as planned,” he warned.
Echoing the national body's concerns, the Katsina State chapter of the NMA issued a communique after its State Executive Council meeting on Saturday, firmly rejecting the NSIWC circular and urging the Federal Government to take immediate corrective action.
“The Katsina State branch expresses grave disappointment and unequivocal condemnation of the circular. We demand its urgent withdrawal and fulfillment of all our demands,” said the statement signed by Dr. Muhammadu Sani, Chairman, and Dr. Yahya Salisu, Secretary of the chapter.
The statement also warned that continued government inaction could lead to unavoidable service disruptions across hospitals in the state and beyond.
With only days left before the ultimatum expires, anxiety is mounting within the healthcare sector and among patients nationwide, as hopes hinge on last-minute negotiations to avert a total shutdown of medical services.
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