Strike: NMA issues FG 21-day ultimatum
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, threatening an indefinite nationwide strike if pressing demands concerning doctors’ welfare and the country’s ailing health sector are not met.
This decision followed an Emergency Delegates Meeting (EDM) held on July 26, 2025, in Abuja. The high-level meeting, convened by the Association’s National Officers Committee (NOC), brought together delegates from all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and past leaders of the association.
SolaceBase reports that it was prompted by a recent circular issued by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC) on the review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), as well as other long-standing grievances.
In a communique jointly signed by NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, and Secretary General, Dr. Benjamin Egbo, the association expressed frustration over what it described as the Federal Government’s persistent failure to address its 19-point demand. Chief among the concerns are the delay in the payment of seven months’ arrears from the last CONMESS adjustment, non-implementation of previously signed collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), and the suspension—but not withdrawal—of the recent NSIWC circular.
“The EDM unanimously condemns the attitude of the Federal Government to the welfare of its members,” the communique stated. “The association will commence a total and indefinite strike effective from July 27, 2025, if these demands are not comprehensively addressed within the stipulated 21-day period.”
The meeting also decried what it termed “the nonchalant attitude of government officials” and the “persistent neglect of Nigeria’s health sector,” which it warned could worsen medical brain drain and the already poor health indices in the country.
Despite the stern warning, the NMA expressed optimism that the government would respond positively to avert the looming crisis. It also acknowledged the efforts of its National Technical Negotiating Team (NTNT) and urged them to continue engaging with the relevant authorities.
In addition, the NMA extended condolences to the Nigerian people and the government, particularly President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Governor of Katsina State, Mallam Dikko Umar Radda, over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The association called on all Nigerian doctors to remain united and committed to the collective vision of achieving better working conditions and improved healthcare delivery for all Nigerians.
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