Doctors give FG 21-day ultimatum, threatens indefinite strike

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has given the Federal Government a 21-day ultimatum to address its demands, failing which the association will embark on an indefinite strike. 

The NMA made this declaration in a communique issued at the end of its Emergency Delegates Meeting (EDM) held on July 26, 2025, at the Royal Choice Hotel, Central Area, Abuja.

According to the President of the NMA, Dr. Bala Audu, the meeting was convened to address the recent circular released by the National Salaries Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC) on the review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Scale (CONMESS) for Medical Doctors, among other demands.

“We expressed disappointment with the lingering negotiations with the Federal Government on matters affecting the welfare of all doctors in the country,” Dr. Audu said. “The EDM noted with serious concern that the recent circular from the NSIWC was suspended and not withdrawn.”

The Secretary-General of the NMA, Dr. Benjamin Egbo, who signed the communique alongside Dr. Audu, stated that the association has not seen any tangible results from its negotiations with the government despite the efforts of the National Officers Committee (NOC) and the National Technical Negotiating Team (NTNT).

“The EDM expressed displeasure that none of the 19 demands of the Association have been comprehensively addressed by the Government,” Dr. Egbo said. 

“We decried the persistent neglect of our health sector by the leadership of Government at all levels, instead seeking medical care in foreign countries, thereby encouraging medical tourism.”

The NMA expressed concern that the government’s actions and inactions could lead to increased brain drain and worsening health indices in the country. 

“The EDM expressed with concern that these actions and inactions of the Government at all levels is capable of increasing brain drain and worsening our already sub-par health indices in the country,” the communique read.

The association has mandated the NOC and the NTNT to bring their experience to bear in all engagements with the Nigerian government to deliver tangible results to the Nigerian doctor.

In the communique, the NMA appreciated the delegates who attended the meeting from the 36 states and the FCT and called on all Nigerian doctors to remain steadfast and committed to the shared vision and collective goal of the Association.

“We issue a 21-day notice of a total and indefinite strike in line with the relevant labour laws effective from 27th July 2025 should the Government fail to address its demands comprehensively within this period,” the communique read.

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