Medical doctors under the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Ekiti and Ondo States have strongly rejected a recent directive from the Federal Government regarding the review of allowances for health workers, describing it as “obnoxious” and a violation of existing agreements.
The doctors warned that failure to reverse the controversial circular within the 21-day ultimatum issued by the national body could lead to a nationwide strike.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Ekiti NMA Chairman, Dr. Ifedayo Oreyemi, called on the government to halt implementation of the circular, which he said disregards long-standing agreements on salary relativity between doctors and other categories of health workers.
“The circular must be withdrawn before the expiration of the 21-day ultimatum. It’s unjustifiable and damaging at a time when the health sector is battling critical challenges,” Dr. Oreyemi stated.
The disputed circular, dated June 27, 2025, and issued by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (ref no: SWC/S/04/S.218/11/646), proposes a new allowance structure for health workers.
In a communique issued after an emergency meeting in Akure, the Ondo NMA also condemned the policy, citing its potential to worsen the ongoing exodus of medical professionals due to poor working conditions and better opportunities abroad — a phenomenon widely referred to as the “Japa syndrome.”
Signed by the state chairman and secretary, Dr. Alonge Olumuyiwa and Dr. Olaopa Gideon respectively, the communiqué read:
“This obnoxious circular comes at a time of a severe shortage of healthcare personnel. Those left behind are overburdened, and such policies will only push more out of the system.”
The Ondo NMA demanded a 300 per cent salary increase for all medical and dental practitioners, insisting that only a significant pay rise would reflect the realities of their current workload and economic conditions.
The NMA’s national leadership has also vowed to escalate the matter if the government fails to respond positively within the given timeframe, raising concerns over an impending national health crisis if doctors embark on strike.
