With less than 48 hours to go, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has warned that doctors may shut down hospitals nationwide if the Federal Government fails to meet its demands.
The association issued a 21-day ultimatum on July 2. That ultimatum expires Tuesday, July 23.
NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, said in an exclusive interview that doctors across the country are ready to down tools if the government refuses to act.
“We have made our position clear. The ultimatum ends on July 23. If the Federal Government does not address our demands, we may have no choice but to proceed with a strike,” he said.
The core of the dispute is a circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), which the doctors described as a betrayal of earlier agreements.
Doctors Reject NSIWC Circular
The controversial circular, dated June 27, 2025, seeks to revise allowances for medical and dental officers. But the NMA is not having it.
“We have rejected that circular outright,” Prof. Audu stated. “We expect that any new directive affecting our members should be the outcome of mutual consultation, not something imposed.”
He warned that if the government continued to drag its feet, a full-blown strike was inevitable.
The NMA insists the circular undermines the welfare and remuneration of doctors, which could further collapse an already fragile health system.
Meetings Held, But No Resolution Yet
Two weeks ago, the NMA met with top government officials in Abuja. Present at that meeting were the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate; the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako; and key officials from the Ministry of Labour.
“The minister appreciated us,” Prof. Audu said, “but he felt we should hold further meetings.”
That next meeting was postponed due to the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who was buried last week.
“However, the next meeting is supposed to happen between us, the NSIWC, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Health,” Audu explained.
But the clock is ticking. The doctors have said if a meeting doesn’t happen quickly, the nation may face a shutdown in health services.
“We expect that after the funeral ceremonies, government stakeholders will reconvene with us, hopefully by Monday,” he said. “Otherwise, the 21-day ultimatum still stands.”
Katsina NMA Joins the Fire
Over the weekend, the Katsina State branch of the NMA echoed the national body’s stance.
In a communique released after its State Executive Council meeting, the chapter rejected the NSIWC circular in strong terms.
“NMA Katsina State branch hereby rejects the NSIWC circular… and demands urgent government withdrawal action and fulfillment of all the demands,” the communique read.
The statement was signed by the state NMA Chairman, Dr. Muhammadu Sani, and Secretary, Dr. Yahya Salisu.
The branch warned that it could not guarantee uninterrupted health services if Abuja fails to act in time.
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