South-West NMA Caucus Threatens Strike Over Federal Government’s New Allowance Policy

Tensions are escalating in Nigeria’s healthcare sector as the South-West Caucus of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government, threatening a possible strike if recent changes to doctors’ allowances are not reversed. At a press conference held on Tuesday in Osogbo, Osun State, the caucus comprising doctors from Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Ogun, and Ondo states, expressed deep dissatisfaction with a recent circular issued by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC), describing the allowances outlined as unfavourable, inadequate, and economically unrealistic.

Doctors Decry Disregard for Economic Realities

Addressing the media, Dr. Adeniyi Fasanu, Chairman of the South-West NMA Caucus and Osun State NMA Chairman, criticised the Federal Government’s unilateral decision to implement what it termed “adjusted allowances” for doctors without any meaningful consultation with medical stakeholders.

Fasanu noted that the new circular issued by the NSIWC fails to consider Nigeria’s current economic challenges, rising inflation, and the exodus of skilled medical professionals from the country. According to him, the allowances are not only negligible but contradict existing Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) signed in 2001, 2009, and 2014.

“We reject the circular in its entirety. The current allowance structure does not reflect economic realities. Doctors are working under immense pressure and deserve fair compensation. The national body of the NMA has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to withdraw the circular. As a caucus, we stand fully behind this demand,” Fasanu declared.

Shortage of Doctors and Poor Motivation Spark Concern

Dr. Olumuyiwa Alonge, Chairman of the Ondo State NMA, lamented the chronic shortage of doctors in the country, with an alarming doctor-to-patient ratio of 1 to 10,000. He said it was unconscionable for the government to reduce doctors’ entitlements at a time when they should be incentivised to stay and serve.

“Doctors are leaving the country in droves. What we need now is motivation and encouragement, not punitive policies that push our colleagues away,” Alonge stressed.

Dr. Ifedayo Oreyemi, Chairman of the Ekiti State chapter, reinforced the gravity of the situation, revealing that over 2,000 Nigerian doctors emigrate annually due to poor working conditions and inadequate remuneration. He warned that unless urgent action is taken to address the welfare of doctors, the brain drain would only worsen.

“It’s simple – if we don’t value our doctors, other countries will. Every day, our colleagues are relocating for better opportunities, and we are left with fewer hands to manage an overstretched health system,” Oreyemi said.

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Discontent Across the Region

The Ogun State NMA Chairman, Dr. Luqman Ogunjimi, described the controversial NSIWC circular as demoralizing for the already burdened and underpaid medical workforce. He argued that the proposed changes would dissuade even the most dedicated doctors from continuing their services in the country’s public health institutions.

Similarly, Dr. Happy Adedapo, the NMA Chair in Oyo State, emphasised that the new allowance structure is grossly insufficient in light of the country’s spiralling inflation and cost of living. “The government must act responsibly. Doctors are sacrificing so much, and they deserve better than token allowances,” she stated.

Caucus Demands and Warning of Imminent Strike

In addition to the withdrawal of the circular, the South-West NMA caucus has outlined 18 key demands. These include:

• Immediate correction of the allowance adjustment in line with previous CBAs.
• Full payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
• A comprehensive review of the MRTF to align with current economic realities.
• Implementation of the 2021 hazard allowance agreement.
• Enforcement of the revised retirement age for medical and dental practitioners.

The caucus has warned that failure to address these demands within the stipulated timeline would force them to convene an emergency meeting, after which members may be advised to proceed on industrial action in alignment with the NMA’s national directive.

“The ball is in the court of the Federal Government,” Fasanu concluded. “We are calling for fairness, respect for existing agreements, and urgent attention to the plight of Nigerian doctors. Should these calls go unheeded, we will not hesitate to take further action.”

As the healthcare sector braces for potential disruption, stakeholders are urging immediate dialogue between the Federal Government and the medical community to avert a full-blown crisis.