Daud Olatunji
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the immediate withdrawal of a controversial circular recently issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), describing it as a “flagrant violation” of previously signed agreements.
Addressing journalists at a press conference held at the NMA House on Tuesday, July 2, 2025, the association’s President, Prof. Bala Audu, described the circular with reference number SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646, dated June 27, 2025, as grossly inadequate and misleading, warning that the development could trigger fresh unrest in the nation’s health sector.
Audu said the circular, which purportedly adjusts allowances under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), was issued unilaterally without consultation or adherence to the outcomes of several collective bargaining agreements dating as far back as 2001, 2009, 2014, and 2021.
“We reject this circular in its entirety. It contradicts the spirit and letter of past negotiations with government, and undermines the sacrifices of doctors who have remained patriotic despite harsh working conditions,” Audu declared.
The NMA noted that it had submitted a corrected salary adjustment table to relevant government agencies but was alarmed that the document was ignored and a flawed version was circularised without prior notice or dialogue.
The association demanded that the government withdraw the June 27 circular and issue a new one in line with previously agreed terms, failing which it would not hesitate to take necessary action, including possible industrial action, after the 21-day notice lapses.
The association outlined 18 core demands, including:immediate withdrawal of the June 27 circular on allowance review ; correction of salary and allowance adjustments in line with previous CBAs and settlement of arrears of CONMESS, clinical duty, accoutrement, and hazard allowances .
Others are ; payment and review of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF); immediate release of circulars on clinical duty and honorary consultant allowances agreed since January 2024 and implementation of scarce skills, specialist, and excess workload allowances for doctors.
The NMA also demanded enforcement of the subsisting CONMESS circular for house officers.; universal application of CONMESS across all federal and state MDAs to stem internal brain drain ; provision of comprehensive health insurance and welfare packages for all medical and dental practitioners ; and constitution of management boards for federal hospitals and reversal of the appointment of non-doctors as consultants.
The NMA warned that the continued neglect of healthcare professionals’ welfare risks worsening the country’s brain drain and degrading the standard of care available to Nigerians.
“We remain committed to constructive dialogue, but we expect urgent action on our demands within 21 days to prevent avoidable disruptions in health service delivery,” Audu cautioned.
The NMA also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly, and Nigerians at large to prevail on relevant agencies to honour agreements and halt what it described as a deliberate erosion of medical professionals’ dignity.
'
'
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
