Medical doctors in Ekiti and Ondo states, under the umbrella of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), have vehemently rejected a recent Federal Government circular on the review of allowances for health workers, describing it as “obnoxious” and a clear breach of existing collective bargaining agreements. The doctors have aligned with the national body’s 21-day ultimatum, threatening nationwide industrial action if the circular is not withdrawn.

The contentious circular, issued by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC) on June 27, 2025, with reference number SWC/S/04/S.218/11/646, has sparked widespread outrage within the medical community. Doctors argue that the review utterly fails to reflect the current economic realities, the perennial shortage of medical professionals due to the “Japa syndrome” (brain drain), and the immense workload faced by those who remain in the country.

Speaking in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, Dr. Ifedayo Oreyemi, Chairman of the NMA Ekiti State Chapter, urged the Federal Government to withdraw the circular forthwith before the expiration of the national body’s ultimatum. “The circular is a flagrant contravention of previous Collective Bargaining Agreements that emphasized the existence of relativity in the remuneration of doctors with other healthcare workers,” Dr. Oreyemi stated. He lamented that the government’s action demonstrated insensitivity and hypocrisy in upholding previously agreed terms.

Similarly, the Ondo State NMA, in a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting in Akure on Thursday, condemned the NSIWC’s move. Signed by the state chairman, Dr. Alonge Olumuyiwa, and secretary, Dr. Olaopa Gideon, the communiqué described the circular as “ill-timed” and detrimental to the morale and welfare of doctors. “This obnoxious circular is coming against the background of a perennial shortage of human resources for health in the various facets and at all levels of healthcare in the face of the Japa syndrome, with its attendant work overload experienced by doctors and other health workers who chose to stay behind to serve our nation,” the statement read.

Both state chapters of the NMA expressed solidarity with the national officers of the association, backing their demands for:

• The immediate withdrawal of the June 27, 2025 circular.
• Immediate correction of consequential adjustments in line with agreements made in the 2001, 2009, and 2014 Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).
• A comprehensive review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), with some advocating for at least a 300 percent pay increase for all medical and dental practitioners.
• Universal applicability of salary adjustments and allowances for medical and dental practitioners across all levels of government and sectors.
• Payment of all outstanding wages and allowances, including hazard allowance arrears and the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).

The South-West Caucus of the NMA, which includes Ekiti and Ondo chapters, had earlier threatened industrial action on Tuesday, stressing that a paltry 1.2 percent increase, as implied by the circular, was unacceptable given the country’s soaring inflation.

Doctors warn that should the Federal Government fail to address their demands within the ultimatum period, it would inevitably lead to industrial disharmony, further straining the already fragile doctor-patient ratio, and severely impacting the delivery of healthcare services nationwide. This brewing showdown highlights the persistent challenges within Nigeria’s healthcare sector, fueled by issues of poor remuneration, working conditions, and the ongoing exodus of medical professionals.