The South-West Caucus of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has warned that its members may down tools if the Federal Government fails to withdraw what it described as "unfavourable and demoralising" new allowances for doctors.
At a press conference held in Osogbo on Tuesday, the caucus — comprising NMA branches in Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Ogun, and Ondo — declared that the contentious circular issued by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC) was both unilateral and out of touch with Nigeria’s harsh economic realities.
Dr. Adeshina Fasanu, Chairman of both the South-West NMA Caucus and Osun NMA, said the circular was unacceptable and warned of industrial action unless it was reversed. He emphasized the caucus’ full support for the national NMA’s 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government.
“We demand an immediate withdrawal of this inconsequential adjustment and call for a genuine renegotiation in line with the 2001, 2009, and 2014 Collective Bargaining Agreements,” Fasanu said.
The caucus also insisted on the full disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), alongside a comprehensive review to reflect current economic conditions.
In addition, Dr. Olumuyiwa Alonge (Ondo NMA) expressed outrage at the lack of consultation, calling the move "tone-deaf" amid a severe doctor-patient ratio of 1 to 10,000. He added that Nigeria needs to retain and motivate its dwindling medical workforce, not push them away.
Dr. Ifedayo Oreyemi (Ekiti NMA) revealed that over 2,000 doctors leave Nigeria annually, driven by poor working conditions and inadequate compensation.
“If urgent action isn't taken to improve doctors' welfare, the exodus will continue — and Nigeria will suffer the consequences,” he warned.
His Ogun counterpart, Dr. Luqman Ogunjimi, described the allowances in the NSIWC circular as demoralizing, saying they would worsen an already dire situation for underpaid and overworked doctors.
Dr. Happy Adedapo (Oyo NMA) argued that the government's proposals fall flat against Nigeria’s soaring inflation, saying the health sector needed urgent reform — not cosmetic pay adjustments.
Among the 18 key demands put forward by the caucus are:
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Immediate reversal of the NSIWC circular.
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Implementation of the 2021 hazard allowance agreement.
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Enforcement of the revised retirement age for medical and dental practitioners.
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A complete overhaul of residency training and infrastructure.
The group warned that failure to meet these demands would force the caucus to convene an emergency meeting, potentially triggering a regional strike in sync with national NMA directives.
“The time for lip service is over. The government must act, or doctors will walk,” the caucus concluded.
