The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has announced plans to commence a nationwide strike on Thursday, July 25, should the Federal Government fail to meet its demands before the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum issued earlier this month.
The NMA, which represents medical doctors across Nigeria, said the strike would cripple healthcare services nationwide unless urgent steps are taken to address unresolved issues around remuneration, welfare, and what it described as a “unilateral and unacceptable” circular on revised allowances.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, confirmed the association’s readiness to shut down medical services if the government does not respond before the July 23 deadline.
“We have made our position clear. The ultimatum ends on July 23, and if the Federal Government does not address our demands, we may have no choice but to proceed with a strike,” Audu warned.
At the heart of the dispute is a June 27 circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), which proposed a revision of allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service. The NMA has rejected the circular outright, claiming it violates previous agreements and was not a product of mutual consultation.
Prof. Audu acknowledged that talks had been ongoing with key government officials, including:
The Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Pate, Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, Representatives of the Ministry of Labour, and Officials from the Hospital Services Department.
However, a follow-up meeting scheduled for last week was postponed following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“We were supposed to have another round of discussions with the NSIWC, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Health. But with time running out, and no new date fixed yet, we may be left with no option but industrial action,” Audu stated.
In a separate development, the Katsina State branch of the NMA issued a strongly worded communiqué over the weekend, condemning the NSIWC circular and threatening parallel action.
“The NMA Katsina State branch hereby rejects the NSIWC’s circular dated June 27, 2025, and demands its immediate withdrawal,” read the statement signed by Dr. Muhammadu Sani (Chairman) and Dr. Yahya Salisu (Secretary).
The branch expressed “grave disappointment” and warned that it could not guarantee uninterrupted healthcare services if the Federal Government failed to meet the NMA’s demands.
