Health Sector Drama: Government Suspends Allowance Changes to Avoid Shutdown

The Federal Government has put on hold the controversial circular recently issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) that reviewed the allowances of medical and dental officers in the federal public service.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The circular—dated June 27, 2025, with reference number SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646—had sparked widespread backlash from leading medical bodies, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).

On July 2, the NMA issued a 21‑day ultimatum to the Federal Government to withdraw the directive and address other pending demands or face nationwide industrial action by July 23.

NMA President, Prof. Audu Bala, said the circular contained provisions that were never mutually agreed upon and which undermined the welfare and remuneration of medical professionals.

Speaking to our correspondent on Monday, NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, confirmed that the circular had been suspended to allow for further consultations.

“Following a meeting chaired by the Minister of Finance, who also serves as Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Salaries, it was agreed that the implementation of the circular with reference number SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646, dated June 27, 2025, should be suspended for further engagement with professional associations,” Osundara said.

High‑level meetings between the government and the NMA leadership continued over the weekend, with Prof. Bala acknowledging the administration’s seriousness and commitment to resolving the issues raised.

Our correspondent also obtained another circular dated July 18, 2025, signed by NSIWC Chairman Ekpo Nta, Esq. and addressed to top government officials, including the Chief of Staff to the President, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and several ministers.

Titled “Re: Review of Allowances for Medical/Dental and Other Health Professionals in the Federal Public Service”, the circular (reference SWC/S/04/S.218/III/658) stated:

“Arising from a meeting chaired by the Honourable Minister of Finance/Coordinating Minister of the Economy in his capacity as Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Salaries today at 3:00 pm, it was agreed that implementation of Circulars Nos. SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646 and SWC/S/04/S.218/III/651 dated June 27, 2025, and SWC/S/04/S.410/VII/658 dated June 30, 2025, be suspended to allow for further consultation with the various professional associations and unions in the health and education sectors.”