The Nigerian Medical Association Warns of Strike Over New Pay Circular

Doctors in Nigeria may soon stop work if the government does not address their complaints about a new salary adjustment circular.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has given a 21-day deadline to fix the problem or face a strike that could affect hospitals across the country.

The development happened after the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission released a new circular on June 27, 2025. The circular outlines revised allowances for medical and dental workers in public hospitals. The NMA believes the changes were made without proper discussion and do not reflect agreements made with the government over the years. The association says it had submitted a better proposal, which was ignored.

The issue came to light during a press briefing at the NMA House in Abuja. Top officials of the association explained that the new pay plan falls short of what was previously agreed upon and that it fails to consider the current cost of living in Nigeria. Doctors who are still working in difficult conditions feel let down and say the decision adds to the reasons why many are leaving the country.

The doctors are angry because they say this is not the first time the government has gone back on its word. According to them, there have been several signed agreements on salary structure and benefits since 2001, yet many of the promises remain unfulfilled. Some of the key issues include unpaid allowances, lack of funds for training, and failure to review duty payments. They are also asking for proper health insurance and better retirement plans for doctors.

The NMA wants the circular to be taken back and replaced with one that reflects what was agreed upon. They are also pushing for the release of long-awaited funds and an end to the practice of appointing other health workers as consultants. They insist that this puts patients at risk and lowers the quality of care. The group says they have shown patience for years, but now feel they are being pushed to the wall.

If the government does not act fast, doctors may begin a nationwide strike after the 21-day period. Such a move could cripple public healthcare services and leave millions of patients without help. Past strikes have shown how damaging such actions can be, especially for the poor who rely on government hospitals.

The NMA is asking the President, lawmakers, and citizens to step in and help resolve the matter. They say doctors are not just fighting for money but for fairness and proper working conditions. With hospitals already under pressure, many fear that another walkout could make things worse for everyone. The clock is ticking, and all eyes are now on the government’s next move.