NMA Set To Commence Nationwide Strike Thursday

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has given the Federal Government a severe warning, threatening to shut down medical services nationwide if its demands are not met by the end of its 21-day ultimatum on July 23.

Speaking in an exclusive interview on Sunday, NMA President Prof. Bala Audu stated that the association is fully prepared to take decisive action should the government fail to adequately address its concerns.

“Our position is clear. The ultimatum expires on July 23, and if the federal government does not respond appropriately, we may have no option but to proceed with a nationwide strike,” Audu warned.

The NMA’s ultimatum, issued on July 2, was in response to a controversial circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), which outlined revised allowances for medical and dental officers in federal public service. The association rejected the circular, describing it as a breach of previous agreements and a threat to the welfare of medical professionals.

According to Prof. Audu, the provisions in the circular were not mutually agreed upon and significantly undermine the welfare and remuneration of doctors.

“We have outrightly rejected the circular. Any directive that affects our members should come through mutual consultation—not be imposed arbitrarily,” he said.

Audu confirmed that the NMA has been engaging in dialogue with government officials to avoid a crisis. A recent meeting included high-level stakeholders such as the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate; Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako; officials from the Federal Ministry of Labour; and representatives of NMA affiliates.

“The last meeting was productive to some extent. The minister acknowledged our concerns but proposed a follow-up meeting,” Audu said.

“Unfortunately, due to the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, that meeting was postponed. We now expect that a new meeting involving the NSIWC, Ministry of Finance, and the Health Ministry will be convened soon.”

He expressed concern over the tight timeline and the possibility of industrial action if no resolution is reached before the deadline.

“We hope government stakeholders will reconvene with us by Monday. Otherwise, the ultimatum stands, and strike action may be unavoidable.”

In a related development, the NMA Katsina State branch issued a communique on Saturday, expressing strong disapproval of the NSIWC circular. The statement, signed by the state chairman, Dr. Muhammadu Sani, and secretary, Dr. Yahya Salisu, called for the immediate withdrawal of the circular and fulfilment of all NMA demands.

“NMA Katsina State branch hereby rejects the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission’s circular dated June 27, 2025, and demands urgent government withdrawal action,” the communique stated.

It also warned that continued government inaction could lead to disruptions in health services.

As tensions mount, all eyes are on the federal government to act swiftly and avoid a strike that could paralyze the country’s already strained healthcare system.