The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Delta State branch, has condemned the recent circular by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), describing it as a direct assault on the medical profession and a trigger for a looming nationwide industrial action.
In a statement signed by the branch Chairman, Dr. Israel Adaigho, and released to journalists in Asaba, the association expressed deep outrage over the June 27, 2025 circular (Ref: SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646), which announced adjustments to allowances for medical and dental officers under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
The Delta NMA called the move a violation of the long-standing Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) signed in 2001, 2009, and 2014, and warned that the unilateral decision erodes the established wage relativity between doctors and other healthcare professionals.
“This act not only breaches binding agreements but also shows a grave insensitivity to the economic realities faced by Nigerian doctors,” the statement noted.
The association further declared its full support for the 21-day ultimatum issued by the national leadership of the NMA to the federal government on July 2, 2025, demanding immediate reversal of the NSIWC circular and full implementation of agreed entitlements.
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Among the key demands of the NMA are an immediate withdrawal and correction of the June 2025 NSIWC circular, restoration of proper wage relativity and implementation of professional allowances and the payment of arrears from the 25/35% CONMESS adjustment, clinical and call duty allowances.
Other demands include, the immediate and upward review of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, universal application of CONMESS across all medical institutions to curb internal brain drain, issuance of circulars on reviewed retirement age and reversal of appointments of non-physician consultants, commencement of long overdue review of CONMESS and the removal of all obstacles to tax exemption on medical practitioners’ allowances
The NMA warned that should the federal government fail to meet these demands before the expiration of the ultimatum, doctors across the country may be forced to withdraw their services in solidarity with their national leadership, plunging the country into a full-blown health crisis.
The association also called on President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, and all relevant authorities to intervene urgently.
Dr. Adaigho further urged state governments to proactively improve the welfare of medical professionals in their jurisdictions and commit to timely implementation of improved welfare packages, noting that the wellbeing of doctors directly impacts the quality of healthcare delivery to Nigerians.
“Nigerian doctors are overburdened, underpaid, and increasingly leaving the country,” he warned.
“It is time for the government to act—not just to avoid a strike, but to save the health sector from total collapse.”
