The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has suspended its planned nationwide strike, granting the Federal Government a 21-day ultimatum to address key issues raised by its members.
The decision was reached after an emergency delegates meeting held in Abuja, where medical professionals deliberated on the outcomes of recent engagements with government officials.
Top among the association’s grievances is the controversial circular issued by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission on June 27.
The circular made revisions to the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and altered allowances for medical and dental professionals.
The NMA has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the circular, describing it as “unacceptable and detrimental to members’ welfare.”
A Growing List of Demands and Frustrations
Other core demands include the full implementation of the 2001 Collective Bargaining Agreement regarding professional allowances. Another is the payment of clinical duty and accoutrement allowances, upward review of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
Also, they demanded the urgent constitution of boards for federal hospitals across the country.
The association additionally called for the following:
- Immediate payment of seven-month salary arrears from the last CONMESS adjustment.
- Correction of discrepancies between CONMESS and CONHESS salary structures.
- Comprehensive health insurance coverage for medical and dental professionals.
- Issuance of a circular implementing the revised retirement age for doctors.
- Reversal of appointments of non-medical professionals as hospital consultants, citing patient safety concerns.
Although a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between representatives of the government and the NMA during a recent negotiation meeting, delegates at the emergency session rejected it.
According to the association, the document lacked sufficient legal authority, having been signed by junior-level government officials rather than principal signatories.
“No Minister or Permanent Secretary signed the MoU. That makes it legally weak,” one delegate reportedly said.
The NMA clarified that the 21-day ultimatum, which began counting from July 26, serves as a final opportunity for the government to respond comprehensively to its demands.
Should no concrete steps be taken by the end of the ultimatum, the association warned that a full-scale nationwide strike would be inevitable.
“This is not an extension. It’s a final warning,” Dr. Mannir Bature, NMA’s National Publicity Secretary declared.
This suspension of industrial action offers a temporary reprieve to Nigeria’s fragile healthcare system, which has been under strain from workforce shortages, poor infrastructure, and recurring disputes over remuneration.
The NMA has urged the public to pressure the government to act swiftly. It warned that failure to meet its demands could worsen the country’s already weak health indices and accelerate the brain drain of medical professionals.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment💬, share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
 suspends strike, gives FG 21 days to meet demands on salary, allowances, and hospital governance.){kind=link}