Federal Government Halts Review of Doctors’ Allowances to Prevent Strike

Federal Government Halts Review of Doctors’ Allowances to Prevent Strike

The Federal Government has suspended a recent circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, which reviewed the allowances of medical and dental officers in the federal public service.

Dated June 27, 2025, and referenced SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646, the circular sparked widespread backlash from key medical bodies, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors.

In response, the NMA issued a 21-day ultimatum on July 2, demanding that the Federal Government withdraw the circular and address other pressing concerns to prevent a strike in the health sector.

NMA President, Prof. Audu Bala, criticized the circular, stating that it included provisions that were not mutually agreed upon and that it undermined the remuneration and welfare of medical professionals.

The NMA warned it would ground medical services nationwide if the government fails to meet its demands at the expiration of the ultimatum by July 23.

Speaking exclusively with our correspondent on Monday, the President of NARD, Dr Tope Osundara, said the circular had been abolished for further deliberations.

“Arising from the meeting chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy with his capacity as the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Salaries today, it was agreed at 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 confirmed.

Prior to this, the Federal Government held a series of high-level meetings with representatives of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in an effort to avert a strike.

NMA President, Prof. Audu Bala, acknowledged that the government showed a willingness to address the concerns raised by the association and demonstrated seriousness during the talks.

Meanwhile, a circular dated July 18, 2025, was exclusively obtained by our correspondent. Issued by the Executive Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), Ekpo Nta, and addressed to top government officials—including the Chief of Staff to the President, Deputy Chief of Staff, Ministers, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation—the document confirmed the suspension of the disputed directives.

Titled “Re: Review of Allowances for Medical/Dental and Other Health Professionals in the Federal Public Service” and referenced SWC/S/04/S.218/III/658, the circular stated:

“Following a meeting chaired by the Honourable Minister of Finance/Coordinating Minister of the Economy, in his capacity as Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Salaries (PCS) held today at 3:00 pm, it was agreed that the implementation of Circulars Nos: SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646 and SWC/S/04/S.218/III/651 dated 27th June 2025, and SWC/S/04/S.410/VII/658 dated 30th June 2025, should be suspended to allow for further consultation with the various Professional Associations and Unions in the Health and Education Sectors.”