With its 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government set to expire on July 23, the Nigerian Medical Association has threatened to shut down medical services nationwide if its demands are not met.
The association’s president, Prof. Bala Audu, confirmed this in an exclusive interview on Sunday, stating that the group is ready to take decisive action if the government fails to address its demands.
Prof. Audu emphasized that the association’s demands are essential for sustaining Nigeria’s healthcare system and ensuring the well-being of medical professionals nationwide.
The NMA had issued the ultimatum on July 2 in response to a circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, which proposed revised allowances for medical and dental officers in the Federal public service. The association rejected the circular, citing a breach of existing agreements.
“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 disclosed that the NMA had been engaging with the Federal Government to avert a crisis.
“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 voiced concern over the dwindling timeline, warning that if a meeting is not convened within the next few days, the association may have no choice but to embark on industrial action.
“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.
The Katsina State NMA branch, in a communique issued after its State Executive Council meeting, expressed “grave disappointment” and “unequivocal condemnation” over the circular.
The meeting, held in Katsina, on Saturday, noted that “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 fulfilment of all the demands.”
The communique, made available to newsmen on Sunday, was jointly signed by the Chairman, NMA Katsina, Dr Muhammadu Sani and Secretary, Dr Yahya Salisu.
The association warned that it could no longer guarantee uninterrupted health services if its demands remain unmet.
