NMA doctors allowance protest grows as South-West caucus demands NSIWC circular withdrawal and warns of possible strike over poor welfare and economic hardship

The South-West Caucus of the Nigerian Medical Association has threatened to mobilise its members for a strike over a recent circular by the National Salary, Income and Wages Commission on doctors’ allowances.

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At a press conference held in Osogbo on Tuesday, the caucus demanded immediate withdrawal of the circular, arguing it fails to reflect the current economic hardship in Nigeria.

Dr Adeshina Fasanu, Chairman of the Osun State NMA and spokesperson for the caucus, said, “The national leadership of the NMA has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to withdraw the circular. We fully align with this position.”

He added that the new allowance structure ignored existing agreements and worsened doctors’ morale at a time of widespread shortages.

Dr Olumuyiwa Alonge, Chairman of Ondo NMA, said the government failed to consult relevant stakeholders before releasing the circular. “This is the time to motivate doctors, not frustrate them. The doctor-to-patient ratio is already a crisis—1 to 10,000,” he warned.

Dr Ifedayo Oreyemi of Ekiti NMA noted that over 2,000 doctors emigrate annually due to poor welfare, saying, “If this continues, the brain drain will become irreversible.”

Dr Luqman Ogunjimi from Ogun State said the policy would demotivate already overworked professionals, while Dr Happy Adedapo of Oyo NMA described the new allowance as “insignificant against soaring inflation.”

The caucus also called for the implementation of the 2021 hazard allowance agreement, revised retirement age, payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, and correction of salary anomalies based on past collective bargaining agreements.

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They warned that failure to act would lead to an emergency caucus meeting, where members would be advised accordingly in line with national directives.