Nigerian Doctors Set To Launch Nationwide Strike Starting Thursday

‎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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