Nigerian Medical Association Threatens Nationwide Strike Over Unaddressed Demands

• The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, warning of a nationwide strike starting Thursday, July 24, if demands are unmet.

• The strike threat follows the government’s controversial circular proposing revised allowances for medical and dental officers, which the NMA rejects as violating prior agreements.

• NMA President Professor Bala Audu emphasized that the circular was imposed without consultation and undermines doctors’ welfare, pressing for its immediate withdrawal.

• Despite engagement with senior government officials, talks have stalled, and the threat of industrial action remains if no resolution is achieved by the ultimatum deadline.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) is poised to initiate a nationwide strike beginning July 24 unless the Federal Government addresses its critical demands before the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum on July 23. The dispute centers on a controversial circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), which proposes revised allowances for medical and dental officers—an action the NMA describes as unilaterally imposed and a breach of earlier agreements.

NMA President Professor Bala Audu highlighted that the circular neglects key collective bargaining agreements and severely undermines the welfare and remuneration of medical professionals. Despite multiple engagements with federal health officials, including the Coordinating Minister of Health and the Minister of State for Health, progress has stalled, especially after a scheduled meeting was delayed following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The NMA insists that the government must urgently retract the circular and fulfill prior commitments to avoid a disruption in healthcare services nationwide. Professor Audu warned that should the government fail to respond adequately by the deadline, the association will have no choice but to commence its strike, potentially crippling Nigeria’s healthcare system and posing serious risks to public health.