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The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has issued a fresh warning of a nationwide strike, set to commence on Thursday, if the Federal Government fails to meet its outstanding demands before the expiration of its 21-day ultimatum on July 23.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the association had issued the ultimatum on July 2 in protest against a circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission regarding revised allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service. The NMA insists the circular undermines the remuneration and welfare of medical professionals.
Speaking to The PUNCH on Sunday, NMA President, Prof Bala Audu, said the association was fully prepared to take decisive action should the government remain unresponsive.
“We have made our position clear. The ultimatum ends on July 23, and if the Federal Government does not address our demands, we may have no choice but to proceed with a strike,” he stated.
He criticised the circular for being issued unilaterally, describing it as “obnoxious” and lacking proper consultation with stakeholders. “We have rejected that circular outright. We expect that any new directive affecting our members should be the outcome of mutual consultation, not something imposed,” Audu stressed.
He recalled a recent meeting that included the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate; Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Salako; and other key stakeholders, where the NMA’s demands were discussed. Another meeting was expected to follow last week, but it was postponed due to the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“The next critical meeting is expected to involve the NMA, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Health. Unless that meeting is held within the next few days, we may be forced to go ahead with the nationwide strike,” Audu warned.
He added that while the association remains open to dialogue, time is running out. “We expect that after the funeral ceremonies, government stakeholders will reconvene with us, hopefully by Monday. Otherwise, the 21-day ultimatum still stands. If the government fails to prioritise this matter, a strike may be inevitable,” he said.
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