Nigerian Medical Association Rejects Federal Government Circular on Medical Allowances
…Demands Immediate Withdrawal and Full Implementation of Previous Agreements
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has strongly condemned the recent circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) dated June 27, 2025 (Ref: SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646), describing it as “grossly inadequate, misleading, and a violation of longstanding agreements.”
In a press conference held at the NMA House in Abuja today, the Association expressed deep dissatisfaction with what it termed a “unilateral and unfair” review of allowances for medical and dental officers in the Federal Public Service, under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
Dr. Bala Audu, President of the NMA, stated,
“This circular does not reflect the painstakingly negotiated agreements between the NMA and the Federal Government over the years.
“It is an affront to the principles of collective bargaining, and it undermines the already fragile morale of doctors committed to serving in Nigeria despite worsening conditions.”
The NMA insists that the circular in question contravenes the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) of 2001, 2009, 2014, and 2021—particularly in areas of salary relativity, call duty allowances, hazard allowances, and arrears owed to medical professionals.
The Association called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), the National Assembly, and all relevant stakeholders to intervene immediately to prevent further deterioration of the nation’s healthcare system.
Key Demands from the NMA Include:
Immediate withdrawal of the NSIWC circular dated June 27, 2025.
Correction of consequential adjustments in line with existing CBAs.
Adherence to salary relativity between CONMESS and CONHESS, including full payment of all backlogs.
Settlement of outstanding arrears of 25/35% CONMESS, clinical duty, and accoutrement allowances.
Full payment and review of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
Immediate commencement of negotiations for a new CONMESS-based Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Release of circulars for clinical duty and other allowances for honorary consultants as agreed in January 2024.
Implementation of scarce skills and specialist allowances for all doctors.
Approval of excess workload allowances and other related benefits.
Compliance with 2021 CBA on hazard allowance.
Implementation of the 2024 CONMESS circular for house officers.
Uniform application of CONMESS across all federal and state MDAs.
Provision of comprehensive health insurance for all medical and dental practitioners.
Constitution of management boards for federal hospitals for improved governance.
Issuance of a circular implementing the reviewed retirement age for medical and dental practitioners.
The NMA emphasized that these demands are not new but are grounded in signed agreements that must be respected.
The Association warned that failure to act swiftly risks worsening the country’s internal brain drain crisis, weakening public healthcare, and further frustrating health workers already burdened by harsh working conditions.
“We are committed to protecting the health of Nigerians, but we cannot continue to do so under conditions that show no regard for our welfare, agreements, or the dignity of our profession,” the statement concluded
