Federal Government Suspends Controversial Medical Allowance Review to Avoid Strike
Federal Government Suspends Controversial Medical Allowance Review to Avoid Strike
In a move aimed at averting a nationwide strike, the Federal Government has suspended a controversial circular that reviewed the allowances of medical and dental officers in public service.
The circular, issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) on June 27, 2025, had sparked outrage among major medical associations. These include the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
The NMA responded swiftly. On July 2, it gave the government a 21-day ultimatum to reverse the policy and address other pressing issues or risk a shutdown of medical services nationwide. According to NMA President, Prof. Audu Bala, the policy changes were not discussed with stakeholders and undermined the welfare of health professionals.
By July 22, barely a day before the deadline, the government bowed to pressure. Speaking to journalists, NARD President Dr. Tope Osundara confirmed the reversal. “Following a meeting chaired by the Minister of Finance, who also heads the Presidential Committee on Salaries, the implementation of the circular has been suspended pending further consultations with professional bodies,” he said.
High-level meetings were also held between the government and NMA leadership. Prof. Bala expressed cautious optimism, saying the government seemed willing to resolve the conflict. He described the talks as serious and constructive.
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Supporting this development, an internal circular dated July 18, 2025, was obtained by our correspondent. Signed by NSIWC Chairman Ekpo Nta, the document confirmed that Circulars SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646, SWC/S/04/S.218/III/651, and SWC/S/04/S.410/VII/658 had all been suspended. The directive was communicated to top federal officials, including the Chief of Staff to the President, ministers, and the Head of Civil Service.
The government says the suspension will allow room for further dialogue with health and education unions. For now, the looming strike has been averted, but the weeks ahead remain critical for Nigeria’s healthcare workforce and public service negotiations.
Content Credit: Blessing Dada
Image credit: NMA.com
