Medical professionals under the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Ekiti and Ondo states have firmly rejected a new circular issued by the Federal Government concerning revised allowances for healthcare workers, branding it “obnoxious” and a violation of standing agreements.
The contentious circular, released by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission on June 27, 2025 (ref: SWC/S/04/S.218/11/646), has provoked strong opposition from doctors, who say it distorts previously agreed salary structures and worsens existing challenges within the healthcare system, such as workforce shortages, emigration, and inadequate remuneration.
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The national NMA has already issued a 21-day ultimatum to the government to reverse the policy or face the risk of a nationwide doctors’ strike.
In Ekiti State, NMA Chairman Dr Ifedayo Oreyemi condemned the circular during a media briefing on Thursday, urging the government to reverse the directive immediately.
Oreyemi said that the circular was “a flagrant contravention of the previous Collective Bargaining Agreements that emphasised the existence of relativity in the remuneration of doctors with other health care workers.“
The action of the Federal Government demonstrated the insensitivity and hypocrisy of the government to keep to term with the agreements previously entered into with the NMA,” the medical expert said.
He stressed that Nigerian doctors are among the finest in the world and called on political leaders to prioritize the development of the local health sector rather than seeking care abroad.
Among the association’s demands to avert the planned strike are the withdrawal of the circular and the correction of consequential salary adjustments based on the terms of previous Collective Bargaining Agreements from 2001, 2009, and 2014.
Similarly, the NMA in Ondo State voiced its rejection of the circular in a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting in Akure.
The statement, jointly signed by State Chairman Dr Alonge Olumuyiwa and Secretary Dr Olaopa Gideon, described the circular as poorly timed and harmful, especially considering the ongoing “Japa” wave, which has seen many medical professionals leave the country in search of better opportunities.
“This obnoxious circular is coming against the background of a perennial shortage of human resources for health in the various facets and at all levels of healthcare in the face of the Japa syndrome, with its attendant work overload experienced by doctors and other health workers who chose to stay behind to serve our people.
“Other problems include, but are not limited to, very poor remuneration of doctors, poor conditions of service, and a backlog of owed arrears.
“In the light of our careful examination of this development and its implications for the already challenged healthcare system in our nation, the Ondo State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association wishes to express its very strong disapproval of this circular,” the communique read.
The state chapter also advocated for a substantial pay raise—no less than a 300 percent increment—for medical and dental officers, stressing the need to make the profession sustainable amid rising workload and dwindling morale.
In a final appeal, the association called on senior medical professionals to lend their voices to the protest, noting that their support would significantly boost the cause.
Doctors across both states have been placed on high alert, awaiting further instructions on possible industrial action should the government fail to meet the outlined demands.
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