In a bold move, the South-West Caucus of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), representing doctors from Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Ogun, and Ondo states, has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government of Nigeria, threatening a strike over what they describe as “unfavorable allowances.” This decision, announced during a press conference in Osogbo on July 15, 2025, underscores the growing frustration among medical professionals in the region over inadequate remuneration and poor working conditions. If their demands are not met by July 21, 2025, the caucus has warned it may convene an emergency meeting to advise members on further action, potentially disrupting healthcare services across the South-West.
Why the Strike Threat?
The core issue revolves around a recent circular from the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission (NSIWC), dated June 27, 2025, which introduced adjustments to allowances under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS). Dr. Adeshina Fasanu, the Osun State NMA Chairman and South-West Caucus leader, described the circular as “grossly inadequate” and out of touch with Nigeria’s economic realities, particularly the rising inflation that has eroded doctors’ purchasing power. The caucus argues that the adjustments violate Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) from 2001, 2009, and 2014, which outline fair remuneration for medical professionals.
Dr. Luqman Ogunjimi, Ogun State NMA Chairman, highlighted the demoralizing impact of the new allowances, noting that they discourage overworked and underpaid doctors, potentially exacerbating the brain drain in Nigeria’s health sector. Many doctors are already leaving for better opportunities abroad, with some even moving to neighboring countries like Ghana and Togo due to Nigeria’s low salaries. Dr. Happy Adedapo, Oyo State NMA Chairman, emphasized that the allowances fail to reflect the economic challenges doctors face, calling for immediate corrective action.
Key Demands of the South-West NMA
The South-West Caucus has aligned with the national NMA’s 21-day ultimatum, issued on July 2, 2025, which lists several demands to address longstanding grievances. These include:
- Withdrawal of the NSIWC Circular: The controversial June 2025 circular must be retracted, and adjustments should align with the 2001, 2009, and 2014 CBAs.
- Fair Remuneration: A minimum 300% pay rise for all medical and dental practitioners to reflect economic realities and curb brain drain.
- Implementation of Agreed Allowances: This includes hazard allowances (from the 2021 CBA), scarce skills allowances for medical consultants, and excess workload allowances for all doctors.
- Universal Application of CONMESS: Ensuring consistent salary structures across federal and state Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prevent internal disparities.
- Payment of Arrears: Immediate settlement of outstanding allowances, including 25/35% CONMESS, clinical duty, and accoutrement allowances.
- Revised Retirement Age: Issuance of a circular to formalize an updated retirement age for doctors.
A Broader Context of Discontent
The South-West Caucus’s ultimatum is part of a larger wave of unrest within Nigeria’s healthcare sector. The national NMA, led by President Prof. Bala Audu, has condemned the NSIWC circular as a breach of trust, accusing the government of ignoring the sacrifices of doctors who continue to serve despite hazardous conditions and burnout. The association has also criticized the Federal Government’s decision to deploy Nigerian doctors to St. Lucia under the Technical Manpower Assistance Agreement, where they earn significantly higher salaries (₦3 million monthly) compared to their counterparts at home, who often earn as little as ₦300,000 monthly despite grueling workloads.
This disparity has fueled resentment, with doctors like Dr. Aniekan Peter from Akwa Ibom describing the government’s actions as turning medical professionals into “slaves” through inadequate pay. The Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) and the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) have also issued their own ultimatums, signaling a potential nationwide healthcare crisis if the government fails to act.
The Risk of a Healthcare Shutdown
The threat of a strike in the South-West, combined with similar actions in other regions, could paralyze Nigeria’s already fragile healthcare system. A recent three-day warning strike in Ondo State, starting July 8, 2025, disrupted services due to unpaid allowances and staff shortages, serving as a prelude to what a broader strike could entail. The South-West Caucus has made it clear that failure to meet their demands by the July 21 deadline will prompt an emergency meeting to consider industrial action, in coordination with the national NMA leadership.
A Call for Urgent Dialogue
The South-West NMA has framed the ultimatum as a call for dialogue rather than confrontation, urging President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to intervene. The caucus emphasizes that fair compensation is not just about financial gain but about preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s healthcare system. With doctors increasingly seeking opportunities abroad, the government faces mounting pressure to address these concerns to prevent further brain drain and ensure quality healthcare for Nigerians.
What’s Next?
As the July 21 deadline approaches, all eyes are on the Federal Government’s response. Will it withdraw the controversial circular and meet the NMA’s demands, or will Nigeria face a crippling healthcare strike? The South-West Caucus’s stance reflects a broader demand for respect, fairness, and recognition of doctors’ critical role in the nation’s well-being. For now, the clock is ticking, and the outcome will have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.
