By Peter Omopo
Abuja, July 21, 2025 — The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a final warning that medical professionals across the country will commence a nationwide strike from Thursday, July 24, if the Federal Government fails to meet its demands before the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum.
The ultimatum, issued on July 2, stems from a controversial circular released by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) which revised the allowances of medical and dental officers in federal public service—provisions the NMA says violate prior agreements and undermine the welfare of health workers.
NMA President, Professor Bala Audu, confirmed the looming industrial action in an exclusive interview on Sunday, stressing that the association would not hesitate to ground medical services if the government does not act urgently.
“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,” Prof Audu said.
He described the disputed circular as “obnoxious,” alleging that its provisions were unilaterally imposed without consultation and significantly detrimental to the remuneration structure of doctors.
“We have rejected that circular outright. Any new directive affecting our members should be a result of mutual consultation,” he stated.
According to Audu, the association has been engaging federal authorities in recent weeks to find a resolution. He revealed that a high-level meeting was held two weeks ago involving the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate, Minister of State for Health Dr. Iziaq Salako, officials from the Federal Ministry of Labour, and key NMA affiliates.
While the minister acknowledged the NMA’s concerns during that meeting, a follow-up meeting scheduled for last week was postponed due to the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Audu said another crucial meeting involving the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health, and the NSIWC is expected to take place early this week. “We expect that after the funeral ceremonies, government stakeholders will reconvene with us, hopefully by Monday. Otherwise, the 21-day ultimatum still stands,” he warned.
Meanwhile, the NMA’s Katsina State branch has also voiced strong opposition to the circular. In a communiqué issued after its State Executive Council meeting on Saturday, the branch expressed “grave disappointment” and demanded immediate withdrawal of the NSIWC circular dated June 27, 2025.
The communique, signed by the Katsina State NMA Chairman, Dr Muhammadu Sani, and Secretary, Dr Yahya Salisu, cautioned that it could not guarantee uninterrupted healthcare services if the demands were ignored.
As tensions escalate, the NMA reiterated that the government’s response in the coming days will determine whether the nation’s healthcare system continues to operate or faces a crippling shutdown.
“If the government fails to prioritise this matter, a strike may be inevitable,” Prof Audu concluded.
