By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), FCT chapter, has rejected a recent circular by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC), and issued a 21-day ultimatum to the federal government over unmet welfare demands.
At a press conference in Abuja, NMA-FCT Chairman, Dr. Emeka Ayogu, described the NSIWC circular, approving a 1.2% increase in allowances for medical and dental officers, as a violation of previous Collective Bargaining Agreements and a threat to healthcare stability.
“This circular undermines salary relativity, worsens brain drain, and risks industrial unrest,” Ayogu said.
The NMA-FCT is demanding the withdrawal of the circular, implementation of the revised retirement age for doctors, settlement of outstanding allowances, and release of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund.
The group also called for a 300% upward review of CONMESS and full execution of the 2021 hazard allowance agreement.
Supporting the stance, Dr. Okoreaffia Ogbonnaya of the NAGGMDP-FCT criticized the circular as unjust to patriotic doctors.
¹He urged President Tinubu to intervene and include health workers in the “Renewed Hope” agenda.
The NMA warned that failure to meet their demands could lead to industrial action.
