Medical doctors in Ekiti and Ondo states have strongly condemned a recent directive from the Federal Government revising the allowance structure for health workers, describing the policy as “obnoxious” and a violation of existing agreements.
Chapters of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in both states have aligned with the national body’s 21-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government, warning that failure to withdraw the controversial circular could lead to a nationwide strike.
The circular—issued by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission on June 27, 2025, with reference number SWC/S/04/S.218/11/646—outlines a new allowance structure that doctors argue undermines long-standing salary relativity agreements between medical doctors and other health workers.
Addressing journalists on Thursday, Chairman of the NMA in Ekiti State, Dr. Ifedayo Oreyemi, called on the Federal Government to withdraw the circular immediately.
“This directive is a flagrant contravention of existing Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) from 2001, 2009, and 2014 that established clear remuneration relativity between doctors and other healthcare workers,” Oreyemi said.
He added that the circular reflects the insensitivity and hypocrisy of the government in disregarding previous agreements made with the NMA. He also urged Nigerian leaders to replicate the investments they make in foreign healthcare systems at home, insisting that Nigerian doctors remain among the best globally.
Oreyemi listed the association’s key demands, including
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Immediate withdrawal of the June 27 circular on revised allowances.
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Correction of consequential salary adjustments in accordance with existing CBAs.
Similarly, the Ondo State chapter of the NMA has denounced the policy, calling it “ill-conceived and ill-timed”, particularly amid worsening shortages of health professionals due to the ongoing “Japa” migration trend.
In a communique issued after an emergency meeting in Akure, state chairman Dr. Alonge Olumuyiwa and secretary Dr. Olaopa Gideon expressed their “strong disapproval” of the new directive. They cited an overstretched workforce, poor remuneration, deteriorating working conditions, and a backlog of unpaid allowances as urgent issues that need addressing.
“The recent circular is coming at a time when doctors and health workers who have chosen to remain in the country are grappling with massive workloads and systemic neglect,” the statement read.
The Ondo NMA also demanded a 300% salary increase for all medical and dental practitioners and called on senior doctors across the country to lend their voices to the protest.
The association urged its members in Ondo to remain on standby for further instructions regarding potential industrial action, pending the federal government’s response to the 21-day ultimatum.
