🔥 BREAKING: NMA Blasts Labour Unions — “Claims by Labour Misleading
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The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has rejected claims by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) that doctors benefited from an upgrade of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), describing the allegation as misleading and potentially harmful to industrial peace in the health sector.
The association explained that there was no CONMESS upgrade in 2014, contrary to labour’s assertions, but rather a correction of long-standing errors in the implementation of the salary structure.
Speaking on Monday in Gusau, Zamfara State, the NMA’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr Mannir Bature, addressed journalists while responding to the ultimatum issued by the NLC and TUC amid the ongoing nationwide strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
According to the NMA, the 2014 action complied fully with existing approvals and public service rules, and merely restored CONMESS to its originally approved status. Bature emphasised that rectifying an anomaly cannot be described as an upgrade or preferential treatment.
“The NMA wishes to state clearly that there was no upgrade of CONMESS as falsely claimed,” he said. “What took place was the correction of a long-standing distortion in the application of the CONMESS framework, despite clear approvals and established public service guidelines.”
He added that the adjustment simply returned the salary structure to its rightful position, stressing that by all technical and administrative standards, correcting an error does not amount to an upgrade.
The association warned that portraying the correction as special treatment for doctors was inaccurate and could fuel unnecessary inter-professional tension at a time when the health sector is already grappling with deep systemic challenges.
It also expressed concern over what it described as the confrontational approach adopted by labour unions, particularly the use of public ultimatums on issues requiring careful technical verification and institutional engagement.
“The NMA is particularly worried about the adversarial tone and issuance of public ultimatums on a matter that demands proper verification and technical understanding,” the association said.
The NMA urged the NLC and TUC to exercise caution, restraint and responsibility in their public statements, warning that misinformation on salary matters could mislead workers and the public.
The association further called on the Federal Government to remain committed to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) process as the appropriate avenue for resolving industrial and welfare disputes in the health sector.
It also appealed for policies that prioritise workforce rationalisation, retention and incentives for frontline clinical workers, especially doctors and nurses, while recommending structured outsourcing of non-core services to improve efficiency.
Reaffirming its stance, the NMA said it remains committed to constructive dialogue, transparency and inter-professional harmony in the interest of healthcare workers and the Nigerian public.
