Medical doctors in Ekiti and Ondo states have strongly condemned a recent circular issued by the Federal Government on the review of allowances for health workers, describing it as “obnoxious” and a violation of existing agreements.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) chapters in both states warned that failure to withdraw the controversial circular within the 21-day ultimatum issued by the national body could trigger a nationwide strike.
According to the doctors, the new policy undermines established salary relativity between medical doctors and other health workers and comes at a time when the healthcare sector is grappling with brain drain, poor remuneration, and an overwhelming workload.
The circular, issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission on June 27, 2025, with reference number SWC/S/04/S.218/11/646, proposes a revised allowance structure for medical and dental officers in the federal public service. The NMA argues this revision breaches the Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) reached in 2001, 2009, and 2014.
Chairman of the NMA in Ekiti State, Dr. Ifedayo Oreyemi, while speaking to journalists on Thursday, called on the Federal Government to immediately withdraw the circular, warning that the association would not tolerate any breach of prior agreements.
“This circular contradicts previous CBAs that clearly emphasised the salary relativity between doctors and other healthcare workers. The Federal Government’s action is both insensitive and hypocritical, showing disregard for its prior commitments,” Oreyemi said.
He also urged Nigerian leaders to prioritise investment in the country’s healthcare system, rather than relying on foreign medical care.
Dr. Oreyemi outlined the NMA’s demands, including:
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Immediate withdrawal of the circular dated June 27, 2025
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Correction of consequential salary adjustments in line with earlier CBAs
In a similar stance, the Ondo State NMA issued a communique after an emergency meeting in Akure, signed by its Chairman, Dr. Alonge Olumuyiwa, and Secretary, Dr. Olaopa Gideon. The communique described the circular as “ill-timed,” particularly in light of the severe shortage of medical professionals due to mass emigration (popularly known as the Japa syndrome).
“The circular comes at a time when health facilities across the country are experiencing critical understaffing, overwhelming workloads, and poor working conditions,” the association stated.
They further demanded:
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Immediate reversal of the circular
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A minimum 300% pay increase for all medical and dental practitioners
The doctors expressed solidarity with the national leadership of the NMA and urged senior medical professionals to raise their voices in defence of the profession. Members were also instructed to remain on alert for further directives, including possible industrial action.