The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Ekiti State has warned that it will participate in a nationwide strike should the Federal Government fail to address issues arising from a new circular on doctors’ allowances.
The circular dated June 27, 2025, and issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (with reference number SWC/S/04/S.218/11/646), has drawn criticism from the NMA’s national body, which described it as “obnoxious” and a breach of earlier agreements.
The association has given the government a 21-day ultimatum to withdraw the document.
Speaking to journalists in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, the Ekiti State Chairman of the NMA, Dr. Ifedayo Oreyemi, said the state chapter would fully support any industrial action declared by the national body after the ultimatum expires.
He said the circular in question undermines existing Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), especially those that recognise the principle of relativity between the salaries of doctors and other health workers.
“The circular is in clear violation of CBAs reached in 2001, 2009, and 2014. It reflects the government’s insensitivity and disregard for previous agreements with the NMA,” he said.
Among the key demands listed by the association are the withdrawal of the June 27 circular, correction of all consequential adjustments in accordance with past CBAs, and restoration of relativity in professional allowances.
Oreyemi also stressed the need for prompt payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) for 2025, with an upward review to match current economic conditions.
Other demands include implementation of agreed allowances for honorary consultants, scarce skills and excess workload allowances for doctors, and enforcement of the 2021 agreement on hazard allowances.
“The Ekiti State branch of the NMA is fully ready to join the proposed strike if the Federal Government fails to act on the demands of our national body,” Oreyemi stated.
Oreyemi urged Nigerian political leaders to invest in the domestic health sector, pointing out that many of them seek medical treatment abroad.
He added that doctors trained in Nigeria continue to excel internationally, underscoring the need to improve local conditions to retain medical professionals.
