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Physicians

Nigerian Medical Association Suspends Industrial Action, Gives Government 21-Day Ultimatum

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has chosen to put its planned industrial action on hold, instead giving the government a 21-day deadline to address pressing concerns related to doctors' welfare, remuneration, and working conditions. The NMA's decision follows an emergency meeting in Abuja, where leaders emphasized the urgent need for the government to address longstanding issues affecting medical professionals. The association is primarily concerned about unresolved welfare issues and the treatment of medical personnel, and is optimistic that the government will take meaningful steps to address these concerns. The NMA's demands include resolving discrepancies between the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure, implementing the 2001 Collective Bargaining Agreement on professional allowances, and paying clinical duty and accoutrement allowances.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NMA has suspended its planned industrial action and given the government a 21-day ultimatum to address pressing demands related to doctors' welfare, remuneration, and working conditions.
  • The NMA's primary concerns include unresolved welfare issues and the treatment of medical professionals, which have been ongoing since a circular was issued by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission.
  • The association seeks the resolution of discrepancies between the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure.
  • The NMA demands the implementation of the 2001 Collective Bargaining Agreement on professional allowances.
  • They seek payment of clinical duty and accoutrement allowances.
  • The NMA also calls for an upward review of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund to support future medical professionals.
  • The association has called for the withdrawal of the circular issued by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission.
  • The NMA's decision to suspend the strike comes after a tense meeting where delegates considered the government's response to their demands.
  • The association reiterates its commitment to constructive engagement to prevent disruptions in healthcare services.

Statistics:

  • The NMA has given the government a 21-day ultimatum to address pressing demands related to doctors' welfare, remuneration, and working conditions.
  • The 21-day ultimatum is set to expire 21 days from the date of the emergency meeting.
  • The NMA seeks the resolution of discrepancies between the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure, which has been a pending issue since 2023.
  • The Consolidated Medical Salary Structure and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure are used to pay medical professionals across Nigeria.
  • The 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund is being reviewed upwards, according to the NMA.
  • The NMA demands the payment of clinical duty and accoutrement allowances to medical professionals.

Sources:

  • NMA communique, signed by President Prof. Bala Audu and Secretary-General Dr. Jamin Egbo.
  • National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission circular regarding the review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure.

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