Nigeria: FG Halts Controversial Circular on Doctors' Allowances Amid Strike Threat
The Nigerian Federal Government has suspended a contentious circular that sought to review allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service. This move comes as a direct response to a 21-day ultimatum issued by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and other medical unions, threatening a nationwide strike if their demands were not met.
Here's a detailed breakdown:
The Controversial Circular:
Issuing Authority: The circular, referenced SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646 and dated June 27, 2025, was issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).
Purpose: It proposed a revised structure for the allowances of medical and dental officers under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) in the federal public service.
Medical Unions' Objections: The circular immediately drew widespread condemnation from major medical associations, including:
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA)
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD)
The Medical and Dental Consultants' Association of Nigeria (MDCAN)
Reasons for Rejection: The medical unions vehemently rejected the circular, arguing that it:
Violated Previous Agreements: Contained provisions that were not mutually agreed upon during painstaking collective bargaining processes between the NMA and the Federal Government.
Undermined Welfare: Undermined the remuneration and welfare of medical professionals, especially at a time when the country is battling a severe brain drain in the health sector.
Was Unilateral: Was a unilateral imposition by the NSIWC, rather than an outcome of mutual consultation.
The Ultimatum and Suspension:
NMA's 21-Day Ultimatum: On July 2, 2025, the NMA issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government. The ultimatum, set to expire on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, demanded the immediate withdrawal of the disputed circular and the address of other pressing demands. The NMA warned that failure to comply would lead to the withdrawal of medical services nationwide.
Government's Response: In a bid to avert a crippling strike in the health sector, the Federal Government, through the office of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy (who also chairs the Presidential Committee on Salaries), engaged in high-level meetings with representatives of the NMA and other relevant stakeholders.
Suspension Confirmed: Following these meetings, notably one held on Monday, July 21, 2025, it was agreed that the implementation of the controversial circular (SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646) should be suspended to allow for further consultation with various professional associations. This suspension was confirmed by Dr. Tope Osundara, the President of NARD.
Ongoing Negotiations: As of Thursday, July 24, 2025, negotiations are ongoing between the government and the medical unions. NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, expressed cautious optimism, indicating that a strike could be averted if the current pace of resolution continues.
Broader Implications:
Healthcare Sector Stability: The suspension offers temporary relief to Nigeria's already strained healthcare sector, which has frequently been disrupted by industrial actions by medical professionals demanding better welfare and working conditions.
Addressing Brain Drain: The doctors' demands are not just about allowances but also about broader issues affecting the medical profession, including better working conditions, adequate funding for residency training, and the universal application of CONMESS across all federal and state institutions to curb the exodus of medical personnel from the country.
Government's Commitment: The government's decision to suspend the circular and engage in negotiations demonstrates a willingness to dialogue and address the concerns of a critical workforce.
The outcome of the ongoing negotiations will be crucial in determining long-term industrial harmony in Nigeria's health sector.
I'm Aisha shehu
Talksocialtalka News
