Nigeria’s healthcare services may face widespread disruption as the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has again warned of a potential nationwide strike if the Federal Government fails to address lingering issues around doctors’ welfare and remuneration before July 23.
The NMA, representing doctors across the country, had issued a 21-day ultimatum on July 2, demanding the immediate withdrawal of a controversial circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.
The association argues that the directive undermines previously agreed terms, particularly concerning allowances for medical and dental professionals.
Speaking on Monday, NMA President Prof. Bala Audu described the circular as a breach of existing agreements and insisted that any changes affecting medical professionals must be the product of proper dialogue.
“We rejected the circular outright. Any policy impacting our members must be based on mutual understanding, not a unilateral decision,” Audu said.
He noted that the unresolved issues strike at the heart of Nigeria’s overstretched healthcare system and must be urgently addressed to prevent a collapse.
According to Audu, the association has engaged in multiple discussions with top government officials, including the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, without producing any concrete resolution.
“The last major meeting involved key stakeholders, including health ministry officials and a representative from the Ministry of Labour. We were meant to reconvene, but the recent passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari altered that plan,” he explained.
Audu emphasized that the NMA expects the next round of talks to include the Ministry of Finance and the Salaries and Wages Commission, the agency whose circular sparked the current impasse.
With just days left until the ultimatum expires, the association has urged the Federal Government to act swiftly to avoid plunging the health sector into chaos.
“We are almost out of time. If we don’t meet and reach an agreement in the coming days, we may have no choice but to withdraw services nationwide,” the NMA President warned.
He added that while doctors are reluctant to down tools, they cannot continue to endure policies that erode their welfare and compromise healthcare delivery to Nigerians.
