Nigerian Doctors Set for Nationwide Strike Over Unmet Demands
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has announced a nationwide strike starting July 24, 2025, if the Federal Government fails to meet its demands by the July 23 deadline of a 21-day ultimatum issued on July 2. NMA President Prof. Bala Audu, in a statement on July 20, emphasized the critical nature of the demands for Nigeria’s healthcare system and doctors’ welfare, stating, “We have made our position clear.
The ultimatum ends on July 23, and if the Federal Government does not address our demands, we may have no choice but to proceed with a strike.” The NMA rejected a June 27, 2025, circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC, SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646) on revised allowances for medical and dental officers, which Audu called “obnoxious” for violating prior agreements, including the 2001, 2009, and 2014 Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs). “We have rejected that circular outright. We expect that any new directive affecting our members should be the outcome of mutual consultation, not something imposed,” he added.
The NMA demands include the immediate withdrawal of the NSIWC circular, correction of consequential adjustments per past CBAs, payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), and a 300% salary increase to address economic realities.
The Katsina State NMA branch, in a communique signed by Chairman Dr. Muhammadu Sani and Secretary Dr. Yahya Salisu, expressed “grave disappointment” over the circular, warning, “We cannot guarantee non-disruption of health services if our demands are not met.” Efforts to avert the strike included a meeting two weeks ago with Health Minister Prof. Muhammad Pate, Minister of State Dr. Iziaq Salako, and other officials, but a follow-up was postponed due to former President Muhammadu Buhari’s death. Audu noted, “The next meeting is supposed to happen between us, the NSIWC, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Health,” urging a resolution by July 21.
