South-West Doctors Threaten Strike Over Poor Allowance Policy, Demand Withdrawal of FG Circular
Doctors across South-West Nigeria have issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, threatening industrial action if the recently introduced allowance structure is not reversed.
Speaking at a conference in Osogbo on Tuesday, the South-West Caucus of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) comprising Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Ogun, and Ondo States rejected the circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) describing it as “insensitive” and “detached from the country’s economic realities.”
Dr. Adeshina Fasanu, Chairman of the caucus and NMA Osun State, said the association had already given the federal authorities a 21-day ultimatum to withdraw the circular or face possible strike action.
According to him, “We demand immediate review of the adjustments in line with the 2001, 2009, and 2014 Collective Bargaining Agreements, and full disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, which must also be reviewed to reflect current inflation trends.”
Other state NMA chairpersons echoed the concerns. Dr. Olumuyiwa Alonge of Ondo State NMA criticized the government’s failure to engage stakeholders before implementing the policy, calling it counterproductive during a time of critical brain drain in the health sector.
Dr. Ifedayo Oreyemi of Ekiti State NMA highlighted that over 2,000 doctors emigrate annually, and poor welfare conditions only worsen the situation. Dr. Luqman Ogunjimi of Ogun State warned that the circular would demoralize the few doctors still committed to practicing in Nigeria.
Oyo State NMA Chairman, Dr. Happy Adedapo, emphasized that the proposed allowances were insignificant against the backdrop of soaring inflation.
Among 18 demands, the doctors are also insisting on implementation of the 2021 hazard allowance agreement and adjustment of the retirement age for medical and dental practitioners.
The caucus warned that failure to address their demands could lead to a regional strike decision, coordinated with the national NMA leadership.
