Medical professionals in Ekiti and Ondo states have voiced strong opposition to a recent directive issued by the Federal Government regarding a new structure for the allowances of health workers. The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) chapters in the two states have labeled the policy as “obnoxious” and in clear breach of previously agreed terms between the government and medical professionals. They have also warned that if the government fails to withdraw the circular within the 21-day ultimatum already issued by the national leadership of the NMA, a nationwide industrial action may be unavoidable.
According to the state NMA leaders, the circular undermines long-established agreements concerning salary relativity between doctors and other categories of health workers. The leaders also expressed dismay over the timing of the policy, particularly when the healthcare sector is already grappling with massive staff shortages due to the emigration of professionals, poor infrastructure, and increasing workload for the few that remain.
The national body of the NMA had previously issued a stern 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the withdrawal of the controversial circular released by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission on June 27, 2025. The document, referenced as SWC/S/04/S.218/11/646, introduces changes to the allowances of health personnel in federal public service, which the NMA insists violates prior agreements.
Dr. Ifedayo Oreyemi, Chairman of the Ekiti State NMA, addressed the media and called on the Federal Government to immediately withdraw the circular before the ultimatum expires. He criticized the directive as a blatant disregard for the Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) signed in 2001, 2009, and 2014, which establish the framework for remuneration differences between doctors and other health professionals. Oreyemi accused the government of showing hypocrisy and a lack of commitment to honoring its obligations to medical professionals.
He also urged Nigerian political leaders to stop seeking medical attention abroad and instead invest in the domestic healthcare system. According to him, Nigerian doctors are among the most competent globally, and their abilities deserve the right working conditions and remuneration.
The NMA in Ekiti outlined their key demands, foremost among which is the immediate withdrawal of the circular and the proper adjustment of allowances in line with previously agreed CBAs.
In Ondo State, the NMA expressed similar displeasure. Following an emergency meeting held in Akure, the association released a communique signed by Dr. Alonge Olumuyiwa (Chairman) and Dr. Olaopa Gideon (Secretary), firmly rejecting the circular. They described it as poorly thought-out and poorly timed, especially amid the ongoing “Japa” syndrome that has seen a significant number of healthcare workers emigrate in search of better opportunities abroad. This trend, they noted, has left those remaining in the country overworked and underappreciated.
The communique highlighted multiple challenges confronting the healthcare sector, including inadequate pay, poor working conditions, and accumulated unpaid arrears. The association emphasized that the new policy would further worsen the situation rather than provide relief. As a result, the Ondo NMA demanded a 300% salary increase for all medical and dental officers as a way to retain skilled professionals and stabilize the healthcare system.
The Ondo NMA also called on senior doctors across the country to speak up in solidarity, urging their members to remain vigilant and ready for any directives from the national body regarding potential strike action.
In essence, both states’ NMA chapters believe that the circular represents not just a policy misstep but a serious threat to the integrity of the healthcare profession and the well-being of the Nigerian populace.