Posted on: Thu 21-08-2025

Doctors Threaten Shutdown of Nigeria’s Hospitals—But One Government Move Might Stop It All

In a dramatic turn of events, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) may suspend its planned nationwide strike after the federal government issued a revised circular addressing doctors’ pay and working conditions. The move comes just days before the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum that could have plunged Nigeria’s healthcare system into chaos.

The Crisis That Sparked the Ultimatum

On 28 July 2025, the NMA issued a stern warning to the federal government: meet our 19-point demand or face a total shutdown of medical services across the country. At the heart of the dispute was a controversial circular released in June that reviewed allowances for medical and dental officers. Doctors argued it violated long-standing collective bargaining agreements and worsened existing pay disparities.

NMA President Bala Audu condemned the circular, calling it “grossly inadequate” and a “flagrant violation” of previous agreements. The association demanded its immediate withdrawal and a new circular that reflects fair and just remuneration for medical professionals.

A New Circular, A New Hope

At an Emergency Delegates Meeting (EDM) held in Abuja, representatives from all 36 states and the FCT gathered to assess the government’s response. Audu presented a fresh circular from the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC), which reportedly nullifies the previous version and introduces a revised pay structure.

Describing it as a “significant breakthrough,” Audu said the new circular could resolve long-standing disputes among health sector professionals and restore peace to Nigeria’s fragile healthcare system. Delegates agreed to suspend the strike—if and only if the government implements the new circular without delay.

What Doctors Still Demand

Despite the progress, the NMA remains firm. The strike is only suspended, not canceled. Their demands include:

• Full payment of backlogged allowances
• Implementation of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund
• Enforcement of hazard and specialist allowances
• Universal application of CONMESS across federal and state institutions
• Comprehensive health insurance for all medical and dental practitioners
• Issuance of circulars on retirement age and honorary consultant allowances
• Reversal of non-medical consultant appointments in hospitals

The association also insists on overdue negotiations for salary structures, improved welfare packages, and the constitution of hospital management boards to enhance governance.

If the government fails to act swiftly, Nigeria could face a crippling healthcare crisis. Hospitals may shut down, patients could be left stranded, and the already strained health system might collapse under pressure.

For now, the nation watches and waits—hoping that this fragile truce holds.

---

---