With just days remaining before the expiration of a critical ultimatum, Nigeria’s medical community is steeling itself for a potential nationwide strike. The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has warned that unless its recent demands are honored, hospitals and clinics across the nation will be paralyzed.
Professor Bala Audu, head of the NMA, noted that “the association’s demands are essential to the survival of Nigeria’s healthcare system and the welfare of medical professionals.” The group’s main issue is a government directive adjusting allowances in a way they claim breaches established agreements.
The union’s July 2 notice demanded the immediate reversal of the directive, arguing the changes were introduced without due consultation or respect for previous deals. The NMA has held “engagements with the government,” explained Prof. Audu, but delays in negotiation—compounded by national mourning—have pushed the process to the brink.
As Prof. Audu explained, “We expect that after the funeral ceremonies, government stakeholders will reconvene with us, hopefully by Monday. Otherwise, the 21-day ultimatum still stands.” Failure to act, he warned, may imperil the entire health sector’s stability and prompt an unavoidable industrial action.
In Katsina State, a statement signed by local NMA leaders insisted on total withdrawal of the controversial circular, adding, “We hereby reject National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission’s… circular… and demand urgent government withdrawal action and fulfillment of all the demands.” The association made it clear that disruptions to health services were likely should negotiations falter.