Nigerian Medical Association Issues 21-Day Ultimatum for Total Strike Over Welfare Neglect
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the federal government, threatening a total and indefinite nationwide strike if long-standing demands related to doctors’ welfare and the state of the healthcare system are not met.
The notice, effective from July 27, 2025, was announced in a communiqué released after an Emergency Delegates Meeting (EDM) held on July 26 in Abuja.
The meeting was convened by the NMA’s National Officers Committee in response to a controversial circular issued by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC) on the review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
Signed by NMA President Prof. Bala Audu and Secretary-General Dr. Jamin Egbo, the communiqué expressed deep dissatisfaction with the federal government’s handling of critical issues affecting medical professionals across the country.
Among the unresolved concerns are the suspension (rather than complete withdrawal) of the NSIWC circular, non-payment of seven months of the 25/35% CONMESS adjustment arrears, failure to honor collective bargaining agreements, and the overall neglect of the health sector.
“The EDM unanimously condemned the federal government’s approach to the welfare of its members and the persistent disregard for the challenges confronting Nigerian doctors,” the communiqué stated.
The NMA warned that a continued failure to address these demands could severely destabilize Nigeria’s already fragile healthcare system. It lamented that none of its 19 outlined demands have been fully addressed, a failure that could worsen national health indices and accelerate the brain drain in the medical profession.
The association also decried the rising rate of medical tourism among top government officials, describing it as a clear vote of no confidence in Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure.
While commending the efforts of its National Officers Committee and the National Technical Negotiating Team (NTNT), the NMA called for unity among all Nigerian doctors, urging them to be prepared for action should the government fail to respond within the stipulated timeline.
The communiqué concluded with a firm appeal for immediate government intervention to avert avoidable disruption in the nation’s healthcare delivery.
