FG suspends revised health allowance circulars to allow more consultations with unions and professionals.
NMA welcomes move but insists on full withdrawal, warning of strike if demands remain unmet.
The Federal Government has temporarily suspended the implementation of recently issued circulars on revised allowances for medical and other health professionals, citing the need for more extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders.
This decision was reached during a meeting held on Monday, July 21, chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, who also leads the Presidential Committee on Salaries (PCS).
According to a memo signed by Ekpo U. O. Nta, Esq., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), the suspended circulars numbered SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646 and SWC/S/04/S.218/III/651 (both dated June 27, 2025), and SWC/S/04/S.410/VII/658 (dated June 30, 2025) will remain on hold pending further dialogue.
“The circulars will remain suspended to allow further consultation with various professional associations and unions in the health and education sectors,” the memo stated.
The suspension affects key stakeholders across the federal service spectrum, including ministers, permanent secretaries, heads of federal commissions, and directors-general of agencies and government-owned enterprises. All were formally notified through the circulated memo.
This move follows mounting pressure from within the health sector, especially over unresolved issues concerning remuneration and working conditions.
Nigerian Medical Association’s Response
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), which had earlier issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government on July 2, welcomed the suspension but maintained its demands. The NMA had described the circulars as unilateral and damaging to the welfare of medical professionals.
NMA President, Professor Audu Bala, stressed that the association had not been consulted before the circulars were released and reiterated that they violate previously negotiated agreements.
“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,” Prof. Bala warned.
The association accused the government of breaching trust and threatening the stability of healthcare delivery nationwide by imposing policies without the consensus of stakeholders.
With the July 23 deadline approaching, the threat of a nationwide medical strike looms. The NMA insists that unless the circulars are fully withdrawn and its other demands are addressed, it will mobilize its members to suspend medical services nationwide.
The Federal Government’s decision to suspend the circulars may provide a window for de-escalation, but medical professionals remain on edge, awaiting concrete resolutions.
