FG suspends doctors’ allowances review to avert strike

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The Federal Government has suspended the recent circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, reviewing the allowances of medical and dental officers in the federal public service.

The controversial circular, dated June 27, 2025, with reference number SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646, drew widespread criticism from medical associations, including the Nigerian Medical Association, the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, among others.

The NMA had, on July 2, issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to withdraw the circular and meet its other demands to avert industrial action in the health sector.

The President of the NMA, Prof Audu Bala, said the circular contains provisions not mutually agreed upon and which undermined the remuneration and welfare of medical professionals.

The NMA warned it would ground medical services nationwide if the government fails to meet its demands at the expiration of the ultimatum by July 23.

Speaking exclusively with our correspondent on Monday, the President of NARD, Dr Tope Osundara, said the circular had been abolished for further deliberations.

“Arising from the meeting chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy with his capacity as the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Salaries today, it was agreed at the implementation of circular with reference number SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646, dated 27 June 2025, should be suspended to allow for further consultation with various professional associations.

“So, it has been suspended for further negotiations,” Osundara stated.

Earlier, the Federal Government held further high-level meetings with representatives of the NMA, in a bid to forestall industrial action.

Prof Bala noted that the government appeared committed to resolving all concerns raised by the association and demonstrated seriousness during the discussions.