The South-West Caucus of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, threatening strike action if a recent circular by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) on medical allowances is not withdrawn within 21 days.
At a press briefing in Osogbo on Tuesday, Dr. Adeshina Fasanu, Chairman of the Osun State NMA, said the directive is unrealistic and fails to reflect Nigeria’s current economic realities. He confirmed the South-West NMA which includes Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Ogun, and Ondo States fully supports the 21-day ultimatum earlier declared by the association’s national leadership.
“The circular disregards existing Collective Bargaining Agreements of 2001, 2009, and 2014. We demand its immediate withdrawal and a corrective review,” Fasanu stated.
The caucus also demanded full disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) and a review to align it with inflation and economic trends.
Dr. Olumuyiwa Alonge, Chairman of Ondo NMA, criticized the government for failing to consult medical stakeholders before releasing the circular.
“We are dealing with a doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:10,000. Now is the time to motivate, not demoralize, our doctors,” he said.
Dr. Ifedayo Oreyemi from Ekiti warned that 2,000 doctors leave Nigeria every year due to poor welfare, urging urgent reforms to halt worsening brain drain.
Dr. Luqman Ogunjimi, Ogun NMA Chairman, added that the NSIWC circular would further dampen morale among overstretched and underpaid health workers. Similarly, Dr. Happy Adedapo from Oyo called for a review of the proposed allowances, which he described as inadequate in the face of skyrocketing inflation.
Among the caucus’ 18-point demands are:
· Immediate reversal of the NSIWC circular
· Full implementation of the 2021 hazard allowance agreement
· Upward review of medical practitioners’ retirement age
The doctors warned that failure to act would prompt an emergency caucus meeting to formally endorse a strike action in line with the NMA’s national position.
“We are ready to act,” Fasanu concluded. “This is about survival of doctors and of Nigeria’s collapsing healthcare system.”
