Tension Eases in Health Sector as FG Suspends Doctors’ Allowance Overhaul

The Federal Government has suspended the implementation of a controversial circular issued by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC) that sought to review allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The decision follows a 21‑day ultimatum issued by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) on July 2, warning of a possible nationwide strike if the circular was not withdrawn and other pending issues resolved.

NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, had condemned the directive as “a breach of previously agreed terms” on doctors’ allowances, stressing that such changes must be the product of consultation rather than unilateral action.

“We have rejected that circular outrightly. Any directive that affects our members must come through proper dialogue, not imposition,” Audu said, warning that failure to address the matter could paralyze Nigeria’s already strained healthcare system.

Why the Circular Was Suspended

Confirming the development on Tuesday, July 21, NARD President Dr. Tope Osundara explained that the suspension followed a high‑level meeting chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, who also heads the Presidential Committee on Salaries.

“It was agreed that implementation of the circular, reference SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646 dated June 27, 2025, should be suspended to allow further consultation with the relevant professional associations,” Osundara said.
“So, it has been put on hold for deeper negotiations.”

The circular in question, issued on June 27, proposed adjustments to the allowance structure of federal medical and dental officers but drew sharp criticism from health professionals, who accused the government of reneging on previous agreements and excluding stakeholders from the process.

The NMA’s ultimatum, due to expire on Thursday, July 23, had raised fears of a nationwide shutdown of medical services.

With the suspension now in place, the Federal Government is expected to engage more extensively with stakeholders to review the terms and avert disruptions in healthcare delivery.

Observers and health-sector stakeholders have urged the government to act swiftly and decisively, warning that any delay could further weaken an already overburdened health system.