NMA Threatens Nationwide Strike as Ultimatum Draws to a Close

Doctors under the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) on Thursday warned that they may shut down medical services nationwide if the Federal Government fails to meet their demands before the 21-day ultimatum expires on July 23.

NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, who spoke in an exclusive interview, said the association was fully prepared to take decisive action should the government continue to ignore its concerns.

“We have made our position clear. 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,” he said.

Prof. Audu described the association’s demands as crucial for the survival of Nigeria’s healthcare system and the protection of medical professionals’ welfare.

The ultimatum, issued on July 2, was in protest against a circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, which reviewed allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service. The NMA rejected the circular, accusing the commission of breaching prior agreements.

According to Prof. Audu, “the circular contains provisions that were not mutually agreed upon and which undermine the remuneration and welfare of medical professionals.”

“We have rejected that circular outright. We expect that any new directive affecting our members should be the outcome of mutual consultation, not something imposed,” he stated.

He explained that the NMA had been engaging with the government to prevent a breakdown in services. “The last meeting happened two weeks ago and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate; the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako; the Permanent Secretary, the Director of Hospital Services, and the representative of Minister of Labour were at the meeting, and some affiliates of the NMA were present, and I was part of that meeting as well,” he said.

“The minister appreciated us, then he spoke about the issues as contained in the list of demands from the NMA.

“However, he felt that we should go for a further meeting, and another meeting was slated for last week. Unfortunately, in the week, we lost the former President Muhammadu Buhari, so the meeting couldn’t be held.

“However, the next meeting is supposed to happen between us, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, which issued a circular that we feel is obnoxious, and we have rejected it. We would also meet with the Ministry of Finance and representatives from the Ministry of Health,” he added.

The NMA president expressed concern that unless the meeting was held in the coming days, the association might be left with no other option but to take action.

“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,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Katsina State chapter of the NMA has also condemned the circular, describing it as unacceptable.

In a communiqué issued after its State Executive Council meeting on Saturday, the chapter expressed “grave disappointment” and “unequivocal condemnation” of the document.

“NMA Katsina State branch hereby rejects 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 statement read.

The communiqué, signed by NMA Katsina Chairman, Dr. Muhammadu Sani, and Secretary, Dr. Yahya Salisu, warned that continued delay by the government could lead to disruption of health services.