MDCAN Urges Federal Government to Implement Remaining MoU Agreements

Strategic Insights -

The Medical and Dental Consultants' Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has called on the federal government to prioritize the implementation of the remaining Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreements with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA). This comes after the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) released a corrected Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) Circular for doctors within the public service. MDCAN had initially rejected the NSIWC circular in July, citing its inadequacy and violation of previous collective bargaining agreements. The association has welcomed the resolution of the CONMESS relativity issue but is now urging the government to address other outstanding issues, including the increase in retirement age, payment of clinical duty allowance, and implementation of hazard allowance.

Key Takeaways:

  • MDCAN has rejected the NSIWC circular dated June 27, 2025, regarding the review of allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service, citing its inadequacy and violation of previous collective bargaining agreements.
  • The association has welcomed the resolution of the CONMESS relativity issue, which recognizes the unique demands and specialized skills of medical and dental consultants.
  • MDCAN has called on the federal government to prioritize the implementation of the remaining MoU agreements, including the increase in retirement age, payment of clinical duty allowance, and implementation of hazard allowance.
  • The outstanding issues also include the release of the January 2024 agreed Clinical Duty allowance and other allowances for Honorary consultants, the full implementation of the approved new Hazard Allowance for Doctors in colleges of medicine, and the immediate payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
  • MDCAN has urged the government to address the brain drain and improve hospital infrastructures through the implementation of mechanisms and provision of adequate life insurance coverage for healthcare workers.

Statistics:

  • 60-65 years: The age at which core healthcare workers are approved to retire.
  • 70 years: The proposed retirement age for Medical consultants approved by President Bola Tinubu.
  • June 27, 2025: The date of the NSIWC circular regarding the review of allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service.
  • January 2024: The agreed period for the release of the Clinical Duty allowance and other allowances for Honorary consultants.
  • 2024: The year in which the government approved a 10% increase in the Hazard Allowance for Doctors in colleges of medicine.

Sources:

  • "MDCAN rejects NSIWC circular, urges government to prioritize outstanding MoU agreements" - a statement issued by MDCAN president, Prof Mohammad Aminu.
  • National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) - the government agency responsible for reviewing salaries and wages in the public service.
  • Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) - the professional association of medical practitioners in Nigeria.
  • President Bola Tinubu - the President of Nigeria who approved a 10% increase in the Hazard Allowance for Doctors in colleges of medicine in 2024.