Relief For Medics: Controversial Doctors’ Pay Review Suspended By FG!

The Federal Government has put on hold the implementation of a circular issued by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC) concerning the review of allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service.

This decision follows a 21-day ultimatum issued on July 2 by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), which threatened nationwide industrial action if the circular was not rescinded and other pressing demands were not addressed.

NMA President, Professor Bala Audu, criticized the NSIWC directive, labeling it a breach of previously agreed terms on doctors’ entitlements. He emphasized that any changes affecting medical professionals should be the result of mutual consultation, not unilateral decisions.

“We completely reject that circular. Any policy impacting our members should stem from dialogue, not forceful imposition,” Audu stated. He warned that unresolved issues could paralyze an already fragile healthcare system in Nigeria.

Suspension of the Circular

Confirming the suspension, President of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Dr. Tope Osundara, told PUNCH on Tuesday, July 21, that the circular was paused after a high-level meeting chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, who also heads the Presidential Committee on Salaries.

“During the meeting, it was agreed that the circular (reference SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646, dated June 27, 2025) be suspended to allow room for more consultation with relevant professional associations,” Dr. Osundara said.

The controversial circular had proposed adjustments to the allowance structure for federal medical and dental officers but sparked outrage among healthcare professionals, who accused the government of disregarding prior agreements and excluding key stakeholders from the decision-making process.

With the NMA’s ultimatum set to expire on Thursday, July 23, a nationwide strike by doctors appeared imminent. However, with the suspension of the circular, the government is now expected to engage in broader stakeholder consultations to resolve the dispute and avoid disruptions to healthcare services.

Stakeholders are urging the government to approach the matter with urgency, especially amid mounting concerns over the state of healthcare delivery in the country.