The Federal Government has suspended the implementation of a circular issued by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC) on the review of allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service.
Naija News reports that the move comes in response to a 21-day ultimatum issued by the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) on July 2, warning of possible industrial action if the circular was not withdrawn and other critical demands addressed.
President of the NMA, Prof. Bala Audu, had described the NSIWC’s directive as “a violation of previously agreed terms” regarding doctors’ allowances, stressing that the decision was made without proper consultation.
“We have rejected that circular outrightly. We expect that any new directive affecting our members should result from mutual consultation, not unilateral imposition,” Audu said.
He warned that failure to resolve the issues could cripple the healthcare system, which is already overstretched and underfunded.
“The unresolved issues are critical to the survival of the already strained healthcare system in Nigeria and require urgent government attention,” he added.
Why Circular Was Suspended
Confirming the latest development, the President of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Dr. Tope Osundara, told PUNCH on Tuesday, July 21, that the circular had been suspended following a high-level government meeting.
He said, “Arising from the meeting chaired by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy with his capacity as the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Salaries, it was agreed that the implementation of the circular with reference number SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646, dated 27 June 2025, should be suspended to allow for further consultation with various professional associations.
“So, it has been suspended for further negotiations.”
Naija News reports that the controversial circular, issued on June 27, sought to adjust the allowance structure for federal medical and dental officers.
However, it triggered backlash from health professionals who accused the government of reneging on prior agreements and sidelining stakeholders in the decision-making process.
The NMA’s ultimatum was set to expire on Thursday, July 23, and would have likely resulted in a nationwide strike by doctors if the issue had remained unresolved.
With the circular now suspended, the federal government is expected to initiate broader stakeholder engagement to review the disputed terms and prevent disruption of healthcare services.
Meanwhile, stakeholders have called on the government to treat the matter with urgency and seriousness, especially amid concerns about worsening healthcare delivery across the country.
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