The Nigerian Medical Association has announced plans to embark on a nationwide strike starting Thursday, July 25, if the Federal Government fails to address its demands before the expiration of its 21-day ultimatum.
NMA President, Professor Bala Audu, confirmed this in an exclusive interview on Sunday, stating that the association would have no choice but to down tools if their conditions were not met.
“We have made our position clear. The ultimatum ends on July 23, and if the Federal Government does not address our demands, we may have no choice but to proceed with a strike,” he said.
The ultimatum, issued on July 2, was in protest against a circular released by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission regarding revised allowances for medical and dental officers in federal public service.
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According to the NMA, the circular introduced terms that were not previously agreed upon and adversely affected the welfare of medical professionals.
“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,” Audu emphasised.
He disclosed that the association had been engaging with the Federal Government to avert industrial action, with a major meeting held two weeks ago involving top health ministry officials.
“The meeting included the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate; Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Salako; the Permanent Secretary; the Director of Hospital Services; a representative of the Ministry of Labour, and affiliates of the NMA,” he stated.
According to Audu, another meeting was scheduled for last week, but it was postponed due to the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
He added, “The next meeting will include the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Health. We hope this happens early enough to avoid disruption.”
The NMA president expressed concern over the government’s delay and warned that if a resolution was not reached soon, strike action would be unavoidable.
“We expect that after the funeral ceremonies, government stakeholders will reconvene with us, hopefully by Monday. Otherwise, the 21-day ultimatum still stands,” he said.
In a related development, the Katsina State branch of the NMA issued a communique following its State Executive Council meeting, rejecting the contentious circular.
The communique, signed by NMA Katsina Chairman Dr Muhammadu Sani and Secretary Dr Yahya Salisu, described the circular as “obnoxious” and demanded its urgent withdrawal.
“NMA Katsina State branch hereby rejects National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission’s circular dated 27th June, 2025, and demands urgent government withdrawal and fulfilment of all the demands,” the statement read.
The association concluded by warning that it could not guarantee the continued delivery of medical services if the government failed to meet its obligations.
