Nigerian Government Halts Controversial Doctors’ Pay Review Amid Protests.
The Nigerian Federal Government announced the suspension of a contentious circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), which had proposed a review of allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service. The decision, confirmed by multiple sources, comes as a significant relief to healthcare professionals who had fiercely opposed the move, averting a potential nationwide strike by the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA).
The circular, originally issued on 27 June 2025, aimed to adjust the allowance structure for federal medical and dental officers but sparked immediate backlash from the medical community. The NMA, led by President Prof. Bala Audu, issued a 21-day ultimatum on 2 July, demanding the withdrawal of the circular and threatening industrial action if their concerns were not addressed by 23 July. The association described the directive as a “violation of previously agreed terms” and criticised the lack of consultation with stakeholders, warning that it could further strain Nigeria’s already overstretched healthcare system.
Prof. Audu stated, “We have rejected that circular outrightly. Any new directive affecting our members should result from mutual consultation, not unilateral imposition.” The NMA’s stance was echoed by the Gombe State Chapter, which labelled the circular “unjust and demoralising,” highlighting its potential to exacerbate the ongoing brain drain crisis in Nigeria’s health sector. The Gombe NMA, in a communiqué signed by Dr Ahmad Adamu-Girbo and Dr Lembi Samuel, reaffirmed their support for the national body’s ultimatum and urged swift action to address unresolved welfare issues.
In response to the mounting pressure, the Federal Government, through the NSIWC, suspended the circular to allow for further dialogue with relevant stakeholders. Dr. Tope Osundara, President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), confirmed the development, stating that a meeting chaired by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy had agreed to pause the implementation. “This suspension will enable broader consultations with professional associations to resolve the dispute,” Osundara noted.
The decision has been widely welcomed by medical professionals, who see it as a step towards preserving the fragile stability of Nigeria’s healthcare system. Stakeholders have called for urgency in addressing the underlying issues, including the implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, which remains unresolved in several states. The suspension averts a potential crisis that could have disrupted healthcare services nationwide, offering hope for constructive negotiations in the coming weeks.
