NMA issues 21-Day strike notice over unresolved demands

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, warning of a total and indefinite nationwide strike over unresolved demands concerning the welfare of doctors in the country.

In a communiqué released after its Emergency Delegates Meeting (EDM) held on July 26, 2025, in Abuja, the association expressed strong dissatisfaction with what it described as prolonged and ineffective negotiations with the government.

The communiqué was signed by NMA President, Professor Bala Audu, and Secretary General, Dr. Jamin Egbo.

The group criticized the federal government’s decision to merely suspend, rather than withdraw, a controversial circular from the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC), which reviewed the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), a move the NMA has openly opposed.

The association also accused the government of failing to pay seven months of accrued CONMESS arrears (at the 25/35% adjusted rate), refusing to honor several Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), and showing a general lack of commitment to improving the health sector.

“The EDM, after extensive deliberations, unanimously condemned the federal government’s approach to the welfare of its members and the persistent neglect of issues affecting Nigerian doctors,” the communiqué read.

It further announced, “The EDM issued a 21-day notice of total and indefinite strike, effective from July 27, 2025, in line with relevant labour laws, should the government fail to comprehensively address the association’s demands within this period.”

While appealing to the government to act promptly to avoid a total collapse of healthcare delivery nationwide, the NMA warned that the country’s health system, already under strain, cannot withstand further disruption.

The communiqué also expressed frustration over the federal government’s failure to implement a signed Memorandum of Understanding, the worsening economic situation affecting both doctors and citizens, and the continued underfunding of the health sector, which it said fuels the mass exodus of Nigerian medical professionals and the rise of medical tourism among top government officials.

The association praised the resilience of its National Officers Committee and the National Technical Negotiating Team for their efforts, but decried the fact that none of its 19 demands had been fully met.

The EDM also lauded the unity and commitment shown by delegates from all 36 states and the FCT, calling on all doctors to remain resolute and focused as they push for a better healthcare system in Nigeria.

The NMA concluded by urging the federal government to act swiftly and responsibly to prevent a nationwide strike and the resulting impact on the country’s healthcare services.