The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has given the Federal Government a deadline of Saturday, July 26, to meet its demands following a 21-day ultimatum that ended yesterday, Wednesday, July 23.
The warning came in response to a controversial circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) which the doctors argue violates previously agreed terms concerning allowances for medical and dental officers.
Although the planned nationwide strike set for today has been suspended, the NMA warned that the pause lasts only until Saturday, during which ongoing negotiations are expected to yield concrete results.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, the federal government held further high-level meetings with representatives of the NMA in Abuja in a bid to forestall industrial action.
The meetings included the NMA alongside the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare; the Ministry of Labour and Employment; the Ministry of Budget and National Planning; the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation; the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation; and the NSIWC.
According to Daily Trust, the government engaged in high-level talks over the past two days involving key stakeholders such as the Federal Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, the Office of the Accountant General, and NSIWC representatives. These discussions are aimed at preventing industrial action in the health sector.
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NMA President Professor Bala Audu expressed cautious optimism following the meetings:
“So far so good, we are doing very well. Both sides are happy with each other. The deliberations continue tomorrow. From now up to Saturday, there won’t be a strike. Anything can happen after Saturday, but most likely, better services after Saturday.”
He emphasized that while the strike is off the table for now, the association expects meaningful action by Saturday or risks resuming industrial action.
The NMA’s refusal to strike immediately comes after a July 2 ultimatum demanding the withdrawal of the NSIWC circular and resolution of other issues related to allowances. The government’s willingness to shelve the circular signals positive movement, though formal resolutions remain pending.
If Saturday passes without satisfactory progress, the NMA says it will consider initiating a nationwide strike that could significantly disrupt Nigeria’s health services.