The Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) has extended its ultimatum to the Federal Government by three weeks, warning that it will embark on a three-day nationwide warning strike if its demands remain unresolved by August 31, 2026.

The decision was reached during an emergency meeting of the association’s National Executive Council held on August 5, where members reviewed ongoing engagements with the government and other stakeholders over issues affecting medical education and training.

In a communiqué jointly signed by NAMDA National President, Dr. Nosa Lancy Orhue, and National Secretary, Prof. Aniekan Peter, the association expressed dissatisfaction with what it described as the Federal Government’s failure to conclude negotiations despite previous warnings.

NAMDA said the extension followed interventions by the Department of State Services (DSS) and other stakeholders, who appealed to the union to allow more time for dialogue. The association, however, stressed that the additional three weeks should be used to resolve all outstanding issues.

The union said its concerns include what it described as the government’s inadequate attention to medical education and training despite the shortage of medical and dental professionals and the continued migration of healthcare workers abroad.

According to the communiqué, the emergency executive meeting noted the government’s slow response to negotiations, the association’s efforts to maintain stability within universities and the ongoing mediation by the DSS and other interested parties.

NAMDA warned that if there is no meaningful progress by the expiration of the extended deadline on August 31, it will proceed with a three-day warning strike, with the official commencement date to be announced by its National Organising Committee.

The association also directed its branches nationwide to begin mobilising members through congresses and sensitisation programmes in preparation for the planned industrial action.

It instructed branch executives to submit reports of their mobilisation activities to the National Executive Council through the association’s secretariat as consultations continue.