Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Katsina State branch, has rejected the newly released salary adjustment circular by the federal government, describing it as a betrayal of trust and a gross violation of earlier agreements.
The circular, issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) on June 27, 2025, proposes a revised allowance structure for medical and dental officers under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
But in a statement released after an emergency State Executive Council (SEC) meeting on Saturday, July 19, the Katsina NMA described the document as “inadequate, misleading, and unacceptable.”
“The circular in question undermines the spirit of the collective bargaining agreement between the NMA and the Federal Government,” said Dr. Muhammadu Sani Abubakar, chairman of the Katsina NMA.
“It falls short of the commitments made to improve doctors’ welfare amid rising economic hardship and increasing workload due to mass emigration of healthcare professionals”, he added.
The NMA decried what it called the government’s insensitivity to the sacrifices of doctors who have remained in Nigeria despite worsening conditions. It also highlighted the growing effects of burnout, inflation, and dwindling morale among healthcare workers who continue to serve under pressure.
“Our members are overworked, underpaid, and demorademoraliseder than boost motivation through genuine reforms, the government continues to recycle empty promises and unfulfilled commitments,” the association said.
With the expiration of the 21-day ultimatum issued earlier by the NMA and the upcoming Extraordinary Delegates Meeting (EDM) a week away, the Katsina branch has aligned itself fully with the national body’s position and warned that a disruption of healthcare services nationwide may become inevitable.
“We cannot assure uninterrupted health service delivery after the deadline. We urge the government to act fast, withdraw the offensive circular, and meet all pending demands before the situation escalates,” the statement added.
The Katsina NMA reiterated its call for improved remuneration, better working conditions, and a serious commitment to halting the brain drain plaguing Nigeria’s health sector.
