NMA Gives Federal Gov’t 21-Day Ultimatum Over Unmet Demands

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the federal government, threatening a total and indefinite nationwide strike if urgent steps were not taken to address its longstanding demands.

According to the doctors, the demands include unpaid salary arrears and the suspension of a key salary review circular.

This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of an Emergency Delegates Meeting of the NMA in Abuja.

The meeting was convened in response to growing discontent over the federal government’s handling of issues affecting medical doctors.

According to the communique, these include non-payment of seven-month salary arrears from the 25/35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) adjustment, failure to honour previously signed Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), and the perceived systemic neglect of Nigeria’s health sector.

Signed by NMA President, Prof Bala Audu and its Secretary-General, Dr. Jamin Egbo, the communique condemned the government’s attitude toward the welfare of doctors and the health sector as a whole.

“The EDM issued a 21-day notice of total and indefinite strike in line with the relevant labour laws effective from 27th July 2025, should the government fail to address its demands comprehensively within this period.

“The EDM unanimously condemned the attitude of the federal government to the welfare of its members and the persistent attitude of government officials to issues affecting Nigerian doctors,” the communique read.

Among its major grievances, the association expressed disappointment over the suspension, rather than full withdrawal of the recent NSIWC circular on salary review, noting it contains “inadequacies” despite being a product of conciliatory meetings.

The doctors’ association also decried government’s lack of urgency in addressing 19 critical demands submitted by the association and lamented that medical professionals continue to operate under poor conditions, while Nigerian leaders frequently seek medical care abroad.

It warned that the government’s inaction could exacerbate the ongoing brain drain in the health sector and further worsen the country’s already weak health indices.

“The EDM noted that these actions and inactions of the government at all levels are capable of increasing brain drain and worsening our already sub-par health indices in the country,” it said.

It, however, expressed hope that the government would respond positively within the 21-day window to prevent an industrial crisis in the already strained health system.

The NMA therefore urged its members nationwide to remain united and committed to the shared vision of improving healthcare delivery and doctors’ welfare in the country.