Nigerian Doctors' Strike Averted as FG Suspends Controversial Circular, Engages NMA in Talks
Abuja, Nigeria – A potentially crippling nationwide strike by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has been temporarily averted, bringing a significant sigh of relief to Nigeria's already burdened healthcare system. High-level discussions between the doctors' leadership and the Federal Government, coupled with the suspension of a contentious circular, have paved the way for ongoing negotiations.
The Ultimatum and NMA's Demands
The crisis began when the NMA issued a 21-day ultimatum on July 2, 2025, threatening a nationwide strike if its demands were not met by Wednesday, July 23, 2025.
The primary catalyst for this ultimatum was a circular released by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) on June 27, 2025. This circular unilaterally revised allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service. The NMA vehemently rejected it, branding it "grossly inadequate, misleading, and a blatant breach of agreements" from prior collective bargaining processes.
Beyond the immediate withdrawal of this controversial circular, the NMA's comprehensive list of demands included:
Salary and Allowance Adjustments:
Immediate correction of consequential adjustments in line with previous Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) from 2001, 2009, and 2014.
Prompt payment of all outstanding arrears of 25/35% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), clinical duty, and accoutrement allowances.
Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF):
Immediate payment of the 2025 MRTF.
Review of the MRTF to reflect current economic realities.
CONMESS Review:
Immediate convocation of negotiations for the long-overdue review of the CONMESS scheme, with a demand for a 300% upward review.
Specialized Allowances:
Implementation of scarce skills allowance for medical consultants.
Approval of specialist allowances for all doctors.
Approval of excess workload allowances for all doctors.
Adoption of relativity in all professional allowances, in accordance with the 2001 CBA.
Other Key Issues:
Immediate release of the circular on Clinical Duty and other allowances for honorary consultants, as agreed in January 2024.
Implementation of the reviewed retirement age for medical and dental practitioners (extending it to 70 years for consultants).
Government's De-escalation and Ongoing Dialogue
In a crucial move to prevent industrial action, the Federal Government, through the Presidential Committee on Salaries (PCS) chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, agreed to suspend the implementation of the contentious June 27, 2025, circular. This suspension facilitates further consultations and negotiations with the NMA and other professional bodies.
High-level meetings have since commenced between the NMA leadership, led by President Professor Bala Audu, and various government representatives, including those from:
Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
Ministry of Labour and Employment
Ministry of Budget and National Planning
Office of the Accountant General of the Federation
Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation
National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC)
Professor Audu has confirmed that the government is demonstrating a strong commitment to addressing the doctors' concerns. He noted that a "substantial part of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund" has already been disbursed, signaling progress. The NMA President expressed optimism, stating that if the current positive trajectory of resolution continues, a strike is "most unlikely."
While a comprehensive agreement is yet to be finalized, the ongoing negotiations and the suspension of the disputed circular signify that the immediate threat of a strike has been neutralized. Further meetings are scheduled, and the NMA has indicated that no strike will commence at least until Saturday, July 26, 2025.
"Japa" Syndrome: The Elephant in the Room
The NMA's demands are inextricably linked to the broader challenges plaguing Nigeria's healthcare sector, particularly the severe brain drain, colloquially known as the "Japa" syndrome. Thousands of highly skilled Nigerian medical professionals are migrating abroad in pursuit of better remuneration, improved working conditions, and enhanced career opportunities.
The NMA consistently highlights that this exodus has led to an alarmingly poor doctor-to-patient ratio in Nigeria, estimated at 1:8000, a stark contrast to the World Health Organization (WHO) standard of 1:600. Addressing the welfare concerns of medical practitioners is therefore seen by the NMA as crucial not only for retaining existing healthcare professionals but also for preventing the complete collapse of the nation's health system.
I'm Aisha shehu
Talksocialtalka News
