Nigerian Health Workers Threaten 21-Day Strike Over Unresolved Salary

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, threatening a nationwide strike that could cripple the country’s healthcare system if longstanding demands regarding salaries, allowances, and welfare are not addressed.

The ultimatum, announced on July 2, 2025, during a press conference in Abuja, sets a deadline of July 23, 2025, for the government to act or face widespread industrial action by medical and dental practitioners.

NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, expressed deep frustration with a recent circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) on June 27, 2025, which purportedly addressed adjustments to allowances under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

Audu described the circular (SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646) as “grossly inadequate, misleading, and a flagrant violation” of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) signed in 2001, 2009, 2014, and 2021.

He accused the NSIWC of disregarding salary structure tables submitted by the NMA, further deepening tensions among doctors who continue to serve despite challenging conditions.

“This circular undermines the spirit and letter of agreements painstakingly reached with the government,” Audu stated.

The NMA’s demands are extensive, reflecting years of unresolved grievances. Key among them is the immediate withdrawal of the June 27 circular and its replacement with one that adheres to prior CBAs.

The association is also calling for the correction of salary adjustments to align with agreements, particularly regarding call duty allowances, and the payment of all accrued backlogs, including 25/35% CONMESS arrears, clinical duty, and accoutrement allowances.

Additionally, the NMA demands the immediate release of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) and its review to reflect current economic realities, as well as the resumption of overdue CBA negotiations.

Other demands include the implementation of scarce skills, specialist, and excess workload allowances for doctors, comprehensive health insurance for medical practitioners, and the enforcement of CONMESS across all federal and state ministries to curb internal brain drain.

The NMA also seeks the reversal of appointments of non-medical professionals as consultants in hospitals, citing risks to patient safety, and the implementation of a revised retirement age for doctors.

“We are committed to the wellbeing of Nigerians, but our members deserve fair treatment and timely compensation,” Audu emphasized, appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly, and the public to intervene.

The ultimatum comes amid growing concerns about Nigeria’s healthcare system, already strained by repeated strikes, brain drain, and inadequate infrastructure.

Posts on X reflect public anxiety, with some users warning of a looming healthcare crisis if the government fails to act.

One post noted, “Hours after Tinubu announced deploying doctors to Saint Lucia, the NMA issues a 21-day strike notice over salary adjustments,” highlighting the irony of international commitments amid domestic unrest.

The NMA stressed its commitment to dialogue, noting repeated engagements with the Federal Ministry of Health and other agencies.

However, Audu warned,
“We expect our demands to be addressed within the next 21 days to avert disruption in health services.”

Failure to comply could lead to a total shutdown of public hospitals, exacerbating challenges for patients and adding pressure to an already overburdened system.

As the deadline approaches, stakeholders are urging swift government action to prevent a repeat of past strikes that have led to increased morbidity, postponed surgeries, and loss of public confidence in Nigeria’s healthcare system.