By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a 21-day notice to the Federal Government, warning of a total and indefinite strike should its longstanding demands remain unaddressed.
In a communiqué released after its Emergency Delegates Meeting (EDM) held on July 26, 2025, in Abuja, the association expressed deep frustration over what it described as the government’s continued failure to fulfill critical obligations relating to doctors’ welfare and the broader health sector.
The communiqué, jointly signed by NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, and Secretary General, Dr. Jamin Egbo, highlighted several unresolved issues. Chief among them was the federal government’s decision to suspend but not withdraw a controversial circular issued by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC) regarding the review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), a move the NMA had strongly opposed.
The Emergency Delegates Meeting was convened by the National Officers Committee (NOC) in response to the NSIWC directive and in light of other critical concerns, including:
• Non-payment of seven months’ arrears arising from the 25% and 35% CONMESS adjustments.
• Failure to honor previously signed Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).
• Continued neglect of the healthcare sector at all levels of governance.
Following exhaustive deliberations, the NMA said it had no choice but to serve the 21-day strike notice, effective from July 27, 2025. According to the communiqué, “The EDM unanimously condemned the federal government’s indifferent posture toward the welfare of medical professionals and resolved to embark on an indefinite strike unless all demands are comprehensively addressed within the stipulated timeframe.”
The association emphasized that its intention is not to cripple the health system but to compel action on matters affecting the wellbeing of both healthcare workers and citizens. It expressed hope that the government would act swiftly to avoid a nationwide shutdown of medical services, especially given the fragile state of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
In addition to wage-related issues, the NMA raised broader concerns, including:
• Poor implementation of agreements outlined in previous Memoranda of Understanding.
• Rising economic hardship facing both doctors and the general population.
• Ongoing brain drain driven by poor working conditions and lack of investment in the health sector.
• The continued reliance on foreign medical care by government officials, which the NMA said undermines public confidence in the nation’s healthcare system.
The association praised the commitment of its National Officers Committee and the National Technical Negotiating Team (NTNT) for their ongoing engagement with relevant government bodies. However, it lamented that none of its 19 documented demands had been fully addressed.
Appreciating the active participation of delegates from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, the NMA called on all Nigerian doctors to remain united in the fight for improved working conditions and a more robust healthcare system.
The communiqué ended with a firm call for immediate government intervention to prevent what it described as an “avoidable disruption” to health services nationwide.
