‎The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has threatened to suspend medical services nationwide if the Federal Government does not meet its demands before the 21-day ultimatum expires on Wednesday, July 23.
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‎NMA President, Professor Bala Audu, delivered the warning in an exclusive interview on Sunday, asserting that the association is fully ready to take firm action if the situation demands it. He stressed that the demands are crucial for preserving the nation’s healthcare system and safeguarding the well-being of medical professionals.
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‎The ultimatum, issued on July 2, was a response to a contentious circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), which outlined revised allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal service. The NMA condemned the circular as a violation of existing agreements and called for its immediate withdrawal, along with other conditions.
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‎“We have made our position clear,” Prof Audu said. “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.”
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‎He stated that the circular’s provisions were unilaterally imposed and compromised both the earnings and overall welfare of doctors.
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‎“We have rejected that circular outright,” he said. “We expect that any new directive affecting our members should be the outcome of mutual consultation, not something imposed.”
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‎Prof Audu disclosed that the NMA had engaged in talks with senior government officials, including the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate; the Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Salako; and other key stakeholders. He noted that although the discussions were constructive, subsequent meetings were put on hold following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari last week.
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‎“The minister appreciated our concerns and addressed the issues raised. A follow-up meeting was planned for last week, but due to the former president’s death, it was postponed. We now expect another meeting with the NSIWC, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Health before the deadline,” he said.
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‎As the deadline draws near, Prof Audu stressed that the association can no longer tolerate further delays.
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‎“We expect that after the funeral ceremonies, government stakeholders will reconvene with us, hopefully by Monday. Otherwise, the 21-day ultimatum still stands. If the government fails to prioritise this matter, a strike may be inevitable.”
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‎In a related development, the Katsina State chapter of the NMA has firmly rejected the contentious circular issued by the NSIWC.
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‎In a communiqué released after its State Executive Council meeting on Saturday, the branch voiced “grave disappointment” and offered an “unequivocal condemnation” of the circular. It also called for the immediate reversal of the directive and the full implementation of the NMA’s demands.
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‎The statement, signed by the Katsina NMA Chairman, Dr Muhammadu Sani, and Secretary, Dr Yahya Salisu, cautioned that inaction could result in disruptions to healthcare services.
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‎“NMA Katsina State branch hereby rejects the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission’s (NSIWC) circular (SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646) dated 27th June, 2025 on review of allowances for medical/dental officers in the federal public service and demands urgent government withdrawal action and fulfillment of all the demands,” the communique read.
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‎Despite the rain, a group of retired police officers staged a protest on Monday at the main gate of the National Assembly in Abuja.
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‎Their demonstration centered on a demand to be removed from the Contributory Pension Scheme.
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‎The protesters, mostly elderly former police personnel, carried placards and sang solidarity songs in the rain, asserting that their welfare and dignity had long been ignored.
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‎Addressing the gathering, retired Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP Manir Lawal, urged the government to withdraw police retirees from the pension scheme, which he criticised as exploitative and unfair.
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‎He said, ” We are here to ask the government to remove us from the CPS. The pension scheme is exploitative and unjust.
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‎“I am 67 years old. Many of us here are in our 60s and 70s. We have served this country faithfully and deserve to retire in dignity. This scheme has impoverished us. It is our right to demand better,” he said.
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‎The pension protest by retired police officers continued in Abuja.
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‎Undeterred by the rain, the retirees remained resolute, declaring they would not disperse until the National Assembly leadership responded to their demands.
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‎Security personnel were present at the scene, closely observing the protest to maintain peace and order.
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Bayelsa State has appealed for the creation of 25 new local government areas, aiming to raise the total number of councils in the state from eight to 33.
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‎This request was presented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo (SAN), during a public hearing conducted by the House of Representatives’ Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, held on Saturday at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall in Yenagoa.
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‎The session, which included participants from Bayelsa, Delta, and Edo states, was part of the South-South Centre A zonal consultation for the constitutional amendment process.
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‎Dambo justified Bayelsa’s proposal by stating that the existing eight local government areas are overburdened, with some overseeing more than 150 communities.
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‎He maintained that Bayelsa possesses both the administrative capacity and financial resources to support the establishment of the proposed new local government councils.
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‎According to a statement issued by Daniel Alabrah, Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State Governor, the state also made compelling arguments for a comprehensive review of the local government structure, the enforcement of local government autonomy, and reforms to the exclusive and concurrent legislative lists.
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‎Bayelsa also pushed for broad constitutional amendments, including electoral reforms aimed at strengthening the credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission, as well as judicial reforms to enhance the efficiency of the justice system.
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‎The state called for a restructured federation rooted in the principle of fiscal federalism. It recommended that federating units be granted full ownership and control of both onshore and offshore natural resources within their territories, with 60 per cent of the revenue retained and 40 per cent remitted to the Federal Government.
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‎Regarding security, the state reaffirmed its backing for the establishment of state police, asserting that Nigeria is ready for decentralised policing consistent with the principles of true federalism.
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‎“State police will strengthen the capacity of states to fight crime and provide adequate security,” the state asserted, adding that “the agitation for state police is in the spirit of true federalism.”
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‎Earlier in his remarks, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, described the constitutional review as a timely initiative designed to align the nation’s legal framework with present-day realities and the aspirations of its citizens.
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‎According to him, Bayelsa is committed to the emergence of a “truly federal system and structure that is genuinely just, equitable, responsive, and demonstrably dedicated to the holistic development of not just the state or the Niger Delta region but also the Nigerian federation.”
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‎He stressed the importance of correcting “historical injustices related to the inequitable allocation of resources, alongside the glaring disparities in the creation and distribution of local government areas.”
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‎Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, was represented at the event by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, while Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, was represented by the Attorney General, Mr. Samson Osagie.
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‎Both governors voiced their support for the constitutional review process, describing it as a vital opportunity to correct the shortcomings and close the gaps in the existing 1999 Constitution. They characterised the current Constitution as a “very controversial document” that requires urgent reform.
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‎Presiding over the session, the Chairman of the South-South Centre A and Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, gave the assurance that all submissions would be carefully evaluated by the Constitution Review Committee before being presented to the House.
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‎“The stakeholders’ engagement is aimed at having a more inclusive democratic governance,” Ihonvbere said.
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‎The public hearing drew a large turnout, with notable attendees including the wife of the Bayelsa State Governor, Dr. Gloria Diri; the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; and Bayelsa’s representatives in the House of Representatives—Fred Agbedi (Sagbama/Ekeremor), Marie Ebikake (Nembe/Brass), Dr. Mitema Obordor (Ogbia), and Rodney Ambaiowei (Southern Ijaw).
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‎Also present were the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere; the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor; the Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff; the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Bubaraye Dakolo; along with other traditional rulers from Bayelsa, Delta, and Edo states.
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Under the scorching Abuja sun, former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga arrived at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, touching down at 1:45 PM GMT+1. Stepping onto the presidential wing, Odinga was warmly welcomed by Nigerian officials, including Ambassador Chris Iyama, convener of the upcoming International Conference on Africa’s Democracy (ICAD) 2025. With a firm handshake and words of appreciation, Iyama acknowledged Odinga’s esteemed presence at the highly anticipated summit.

Excitement filled the air as Odinga made his way through the airport. His participation in ICAD 2025, scheduled for July 22–23, has generated major interest among political leaders, civil society actors, and youth advocates across the continent. Widely respected as a statesman and pro-democracy icon, Odinga’s insights on credible elections, economic transformation, and institutional accountability are among the most anticipated segments of the conference.

As he joins a lineup of influential African voices, Odinga is expected to help shape critical conversations on governance, sustainable development, and the future of African democracy. The conference organized by CYPA Africa and supported by media partner LN247, will be live-streamed to ensure a broad audience across Africa and beyond can engage with its thought-provoking sessions.

With his keynote address ahead, Raila Odinga’s legacy as a champion of people-centered governance and democratic resilience is set to take center stage at ICAD 2025.

Influential Kenyan Pan-Africanist, legal expert, and public intellectual, Professor Patrick Loch Otieno (PLO) Lumumba, landed at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at exactly 12:01 PM WAT ahead of his keynote address at the International Conference on Africa’s Democracy (ICAD) 2025.

Themed “Afro-Democracy: Building Governance Systems that Work in Africa for Africans,” the highly anticipated summit will run from July 22 to 23 at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja, bringing together over 1,000 thought leaders, including presidents, legislators, civil society actors, and youth activists from across the continent.

Prof. Lumumba’s arrival has generated palpable excitement, as attendees look forward to his characteristic bold and passionate discourse on African self-determination, governance reform, and continental unity. Known for his thought-provoking commentary and unwavering stance on Pan-African ideals, Lumumba is expected to inspire a reimagination of democracy rooted in African realities.

Recalling his iconic 2022 speech in Abuja where he asserted, “The day Nigeria gets it right, Africa will get it right,” many anticipate a keynote that will once again spotlight Nigeria’s central role in the continent’s democratic evolution.

His presence at ICAD 2025, alongside notable figures like Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima, reinforces the summit’s commitment to actionable and transformative dialogue. His recent critique in Arusha, Tanzania, about Africa’s dependence on imports despite its rich resources hints at a message calling for grassroots development and stronger regional collaboration.

Organized by CYPA Africa, ICAD 2025 will tackle pressing issues such as digital-era democracy, judicial integrity, and the implementation of indigenous governance models. Conference convener, Ambassador Chris Iyama, described the event as “a renaissance of African governance,” a sentiment resonating widely online.

As the stage is set for this defining summit, Lumumba’s presence signals a bold call for Africa to reclaim its political narrative and shape its future through homegrown democratic solutions.