South-West NMA Threatens Strike Over Unfavourable FG Allowances for Doctors

The South-West Caucus of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has warned that doctors across the region may embark on a strike if the Federal Government does not urgently withdraw its newly introduced, unfavourable allowances for medical professionals.

This declaration was made during a press conference held on Tuesday in Osogbo, Osun State, by the caucus which includes Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Ogun, and Ondo chapters of the NMA.

Dr. Adeshina Fasanu, the Chairman of the Caucus and also the Osun State NMA Chairman, described the circular released by the National Salary, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC) as being disconnected from the economic realities facing doctors. He noted that the national leadership of the NMA has already issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to reverse the circular.

Fasanu said the Southwest NMA is fully in support of the national body's position, demanding immediate corrections to the inconsistencies in the adjustments, and adherence to past agreements reached in 2001, 2009, and 2014.

He also highlighted the need for the full payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund and called for its review to reflect the country’s current economic situation.

Speaking further, Dr. Olumuyiwa Alonge, the Ondo State NMA Chairman, criticized the Federal Government for failing to consult stakeholders before announcing the allowance changes. He emphasized the critical doctor-to-patient ratio in Nigeria—1 doctor to 10,000 patients—and stressed the urgent need for improved motivation for medical workers.

In his contribution, Dr. Ifedayo Oreyemi, Ekiti State NMA Chairman, said that about 2,000 doctors leave Nigeria annually, and warned that poor welfare will only worsen the ongoing brain drain.

Dr. Luqman Ogunjimi of Ogun State added that the circular will demoralize doctors who are already overworked and underpaid, pushing more of them to abandon the local health sector.

Meanwhile, Dr. Happy Adedapo, the Oyo State NMA Chairman, expressed deep concern over the government's insensitivity, calling the new allowances insignificant in light of Nigeria’s rising inflation.

Among the 18 demands made by the caucus are the full implementation of the 2021 hazard allowance agreement and the enforcement of the revised retirement age for medical and dental practitioners.

The caucus concluded by warning that if the Federal Government fails to act within the specified time, they will convene an emergency meeting and take further actions in line with the directives of the national NMA leadership.

As Nigeria continues to struggle with a fragile healthcare system and a mass exodus of medical professionals, the outcome of this ultimatum may significantly impact the future of medical practice in the country.