The Traffic

Abia NMA Slams FG’s Pay Circular, Backs Nationwide Ultimatum

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Abia State chapter, has rejected a recent circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), calling it a "gross breach of trust" and a violation of previously agreed terms on doctors’ allowances.

The controversial circular, which aimed to adjust the allowances for doctors and dentists under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), has triggered outrage within the medical community. The NMA national body has already issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to withdraw the circular or face industrial action.

Speaking to journalists in Umuahia on Friday, Abia NMA Chairman Dr. Ezuruike Ezinwa described the move as “regrettable, ill-conceived, and an outright provocation.”

“Instead of healing long-standing wounds, this circular only deepens the crisis facing our profession. The welfare of Nigerian doctors continues to be sacrificed at the altar of bureaucratic negligence,” Ezinwa said.

He emphasized that the circular contravenes previously negotiated collective bargaining agreements reached in 2001, 2009, and 2014, calling it an affront to democratic governance and due process.

“At a time when the nation is battling a mass exodus of medical professionals due to poor conditions — the infamous 'Japa' wave — this kind of policy is not just unwise, it is dangerous and wicked,” he added.

Dr. Ezinwa affirmed that the Abia chapter is fully aligned with the 18-point demands of the national body. These include:

Immediate withdrawal of the June 27, 2025 circular.

Full implementation of consequential adjustments based on previous agreements.

Correction of pay relativity between CONMESS and CONHESS, especially regarding professional and call duty allowances.

Settlement of backlogs for 25/35% CONMESS, clinical duty, and accoutrement allowances.

Immediate release and upward review of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).

Urgent convocation of the long-overdue Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations on CONMESS.

The NMA warns that failure to act could deepen Nigeria’s healthcare crisis, with more professionals abandoning the country in search of fairer working conditions abroad.

By Haruna Yakubu Haruna