The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has warned that it may initiate a nationwide strike beginning Thursday if the Federal Government fails to meet its demands before the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum issued earlier this month.
Speaking in an interview on Sunday, the association’s president, Prof. Bala Audu, said the NMA is ready to take firm action if the government does not adequately address their concerns, which he described as vital to the health sector’s sustainability and the welfare of medical workers across the country.
The ultimatum, issued on July 2, followed the release of a controversial circular by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission regarding revised allowances for federal medical and dental officers. The NMA rejected the circular, claiming it breaches previously agreed terms.
Prof. Audu said the circular includes provisions that were never agreed upon and could negatively impact the earnings and general welfare of health professionals. “We have outrightly rejected the circular. Any policy affecting our members must come through proper consultation, not imposition,” he stated.
He confirmed that dialogue had taken place between the association and government officials, including the Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Pate, and Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako. A follow-up meeting was expected last week but was postponed due to the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to Prof. Audu, the next meeting is to involve the NMA, the Ministry of Finance, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, and the Federal Ministry of Health. However, he stressed that the clock is ticking.
“If the engagement does not happen within the next few days, we may be compelled to take action. We’re hoping discussions resume after the funeral events. Otherwise, the strike may become inevitable,” he warned.
Meanwhile, the Katsina branch of the NMA has also condemned the circular. In a communique released after its State Executive Council meeting on Saturday, the chapter criticized the directive and demanded its immediate withdrawal.
The statement, signed by Dr. Muhammadu Sani and Dr. Yahya Salisu, Chairman and Secretary of the branch respectively, declared the circular unacceptable and urged urgent government intervention. The chapter also cautioned that uninterrupted healthcare delivery cannot be guaranteed if their grievances remain unresolved.
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