The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, threatening a total and indefinite nationwide strike if pressing issues affecting medical professionals are not urgently addressed.
The association, in a communiqué released after its Emergency Delegates Meeting (EDM) held in Abuja, expressed deep dissatisfaction with what it described as the government’s lackadaisical attitude towards doctors’ welfare and the health sector at large.
The communiqué, jointly signed by NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, and Secretary-General, Dr. Jamin Egbo, stated that the ultimatum would take effect from Saturday, July 27, 2025.
Top among the doctors’ grievances is the non-payment of seven months’ salary arrears resulting from the 25% to 35% adjustment in the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS). They also decried the continued suspension of the salary review circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), which they described as flawed and inadequate despite conciliatory meetings.
“The EDM unanimously condemned the persistent attitude of the Federal Government towards issues affecting Nigerian doctors, especially in the area of remuneration and working conditions,” the communiqué read.
The association accused the government of failing to honour existing Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) and neglecting 19 critical demands it had previously submitted, which include improved funding of the health sector and better working conditions for doctors across the country.
In a scathing remark, the NMA also highlighted the irony of Nigerian leaders consistently seeking medical treatment abroad while the country’s health facilities remain underfunded and understaffed.
It warned that the government’s continued inaction was fuelling an exodus of medical professionals, thereby worsening Nigeria’s already dismal health indices.
“The EDM noted that these actions and inactions are capable of increasing the brain drain and worsening our already sub-par health indices,” it stated.
The association called on its members nationwide to remain united and vigilant, even as it expressed hope that the government would use the 21-day window to prevent a nationwide shutdown of the health sector.
The warning comes amid growing industrial unrest in Nigeria’s health system, with nurses and midwives also announcing a seven-day warning strike scheduled to begin on Tuesday.
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