FG Suspends Controversial Circular on Doctors’ Allowances Following Backlash

The Federal Government has put a hold on the implementation of a contentious circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) that sought to revise the allowances of medical and dental officers in federal service.

Dated June 27, 2025, and marked with reference number SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646, the circular triggered swift condemnation from leading medical bodies, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD). They argued the decision was made without proper consultation and could severely impact the welfare of healthcare professionals.

NMA President, Prof. Audu Bala, expressed disappointment over the development, noting that the circular contained unilateral changes that were not agreed upon with medical stakeholders. “The circular contains provisions that were not mutually agreed upon and which undermine the remuneration and welfare of medical professionals,” he said.

In response to the directive, the NMA had earlier issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government on June 2, demanding a reversal of the policy or face a nationwide shutdown of medical services. That ultimatum is set to expire on July 23.

Confirming the latest development, the President of NARD, Dr. Tope Osundara, told our correspondent on Monday that the circular had now been suspended.

“Arising from the meeting chaired by Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy with his capacity as the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Salaries today, it was agreed that the implementation of circular with reference number SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646, dated 27 June 2025, should be suspended to allow for further consultation with various professional associations. So, it has been suspended for further negotiations,” Osundara stated.

Further updates are expected as the government and medical associations return to the negotiating table.