The National President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Bala Audu, has expressed optimism that the ongoing strike by affiliate medical professionals in Akwa Ibom State will soon be resolved, paving the way for normalcy to return across affected hospitals and health institutions.
The strike, which began a few weeks ago, involves several NMA affiliate bodies, including the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), the Association of Specialists Medical and Dental Academics (ASMEDA), and the Nigerian Association of Dental and Hospital University Staff (NADHUS). The groups are protesting the failure of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) to address critical issues related to the welfare and emoluments of medical personnel.
Key among their demands is the migration of members to the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), a standard already implemented in most federal universities across the country. The striking groups have accused the UNIUYO management of dragging its feet on the matter.
Speaking during a reception in Uyo held in honour of four NMA members recently appointed to the Akwa Ibom State Executive Council by Governor Umo Eno, Audu confirmed that resolving the dispute was one of the main reasons for his visit to the state.
“We are hopeful that with the intervention of the NMA at the national level, a solution is near,” he said. He also disclosed that a delegation from the NMA would soon meet with the Vice-Chancellor of UNIUYO, Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, to address the concerns raised by the striking medical workers.
Audu commended Governor Eno for his health workforce retention policy, which prioritizes the welfare of healthcare professionals, and urged him to ensure uniform standards across all health facilities in the state.
On the global shortage of healthcare professionals, Audu noted that the crisis is not unique to Nigeria and called on all levels of government to prioritize the welfare of doctors as a strategy to retain talent and curb brain drain.
In his remarks, the Akwa Ibom NMA Chairman, Aniekan Peter, praised Governor Eno for appointing three commissioners with medical backgrounds and a personal physician to key positions in his administration. He pledged the association’s full support to the appointees and the state government in advancing healthcare delivery.
Peter also highlighted the success of the NMA Health Centre Initiative, launched in March 2025, which has already made a significant impact, particularly in rural communities.
He added that ongoing partnerships with ECWS and teaching hospitals will further expand access to quality healthcare across the state.
