Nationwide Health Crisis Looms as NMA Threatens Strike Over Salary Dispute

Nigeria’s healthcare system may be thrown into chaos by Thursday, as the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, threatening a nationwide strike. The impending industrial action stems from what the association describes as an “obnoxious” circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission regarding revised allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service.

This warning comes as the 21-day ultimatum issued by the NMA on July 2 nears its expiration on July 23. With no concrete resolution in sight, the association insists it will proceed with the strike unless its demands are met urgently.

Ultimatum Nears Deadline: NMA Holds Firm on Demands

Speaking to the press over the weekend, NMA President, Professor Bala Audu, stated unequivocally that the association was prepared to act decisively if the government continued to ignore their 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 declared.

According to Prof. Audu, the circular in question significantly undermines the remuneration and general welfare of Nigeria’s medical professionals. He criticized the lack of consultation in its issuance, stating, “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.”

At the core of the dispute is the manner in which allowances were revised without stakeholder input—a move the NMA deems unacceptable in a country already grappling with brain drain in the medical sector.

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Previous Engagements and Missed Meetings

Prof. Audu revealed that dialogue with government representatives had been initiated, and a notable meeting took place two weeks ago with key figures such as the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate; Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako; and other senior officials from the Ministry of Labour and Health.

While the meeting was productive in highlighting NMA’s concerns, a follow-up engagement scheduled for the following week was derailed due to the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari. This unforeseen national event temporarily stalled negotiations.

Despite the disruption, the NMA insists that the Federal Government must reschedule and conduct the follow-up meeting before the ultimatum lapses. Audu noted, “We expect that after the funeral ceremonies, government stakeholders will reconvene with us, hopefully by Monday. Otherwise, the 21-day ultimatum still stands.”

Implications for the Health Sector

If the strike goes ahead as threatened, the impact on healthcare delivery nationwide could be catastrophic. Public hospitals, already stretched thin, would be the hardest hit. Patients requiring critical care, surgeries, or emergency interventions might be left unattended, exacerbating the strain on the healthcare system.

Furthermore, a strike at this time could worsen Nigeria’s growing medical exodus, where many skilled professionals leave the country in search of better working conditions abroad. Experts warn that poor remuneration and inconsistent policy-making continue to drive Nigeria’s healthcare professionals into the arms of foreign employers, particularly in countries like the UK, Canada, and the United States.

 Urgent Government Intervention

The NMA’s stance is clear: immediate, inclusive, and respectful engagement is the only way to avert the looming strike. The association is demanding not just the withdrawal of the contentious circular but also a holistic review of doctors’ welfare and compensation.

“Healthcare is a pillar of national development, and doctors should not be compelled to protest before their contributions are recognized and fairly compensated,” Prof. Audu emphasized.

Many Nigerians, especially patients and healthcare advocates, are now urging the Federal Government to act swiftly. A failure to resolve this standoff would not only disrupt services but also deal a severe blow to public confidence in the government’s commitment to healthcare reform.

As the clock ticks towards July 23, all eyes are on Abuja. The ball is firmly in the government’s court, and how it handles this crisis will reflect its broader priorities on health and human development.