The South-West caucus of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has threatened to go on strike over what it describes as an unjust and economically unrealistic allowance regime recently introduced by the Federal Government.
During a press briefing in Osogbo, NMA leaders from Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti states condemned a circular issued by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC), arguing that it fails to reflect current economic conditions and violates the provisions of previously agreed Collective Bargaining Agreements from 2001, 2009, and 2014.
Dr. Adeshina Fasanu, Chairman of the caucus and Osun State NMA Chairman, said the new allowance structure must be withdrawn immediately. He also urged the Federal Government to fully disburse the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) and to review its value upward in line with Nigeria’s prevailing economic situation.
Speaking in support, Dr. Olumuyiwa Alonge, Chairman of the Ondo State NMA, criticised the lack of stakeholder engagement before the policy was introduced. He stressed that this is a critical time when doctors need motivation rather than discouragement, citing the country’s dire doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:10,000.
In his own remarks, Dr. Ifedayo Oreyemi, Chairman of Ekiti State NMA, warned that approximately 2,000 Nigerian doctors leave the country each year, and that without proactive steps to prioritise doctors’ welfare, the nation’s healthcare system would continue to suffer a brain drain.
On his part, Dr .Luqman Ogunjimi, Chairman of the Ogun State NMA, added that the NSIWC’s circular would demoralise already overworked and underpaid doctors who continue to operate under challenging conditions.
Aligning with the position of others, Dr. Happy Adedapo, Chairperson of the Oyo State NMA, emphasised that the allowances introduced are negligible compared to the current inflation rate and economic hardship being faced by medical professionals across the country.
The caucus listed a total of 18 demands, including the immediate implementation of the 2021 hazard allowance agreement and the approval of the revised retirement age for medical and dental practitioners. They warned that failure to meet these demands would prompt an emergency meeting, during which the caucus would align with the national body to determine further action, including a possible strike.
