Medical doctors in Ekiti and Ondo states have strongly rejected a new directive from the Federal Government on the review of health workers’ allowances, describing it as “obnoxious” and a breach of established agreements. The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) chapters in both states have warned that failure to withdraw the circular within the 21-day deadline set by the national body could lead to a nationwide strike.
The contentious circular, issued by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission on June 27, 2025 (Ref: SWC/S/04/S.218/11/646), outlines revised allowance structures for health workers. NMA officials argue the directive undermines long-standing salary relativity agreements between medical doctors and other healthcare professionals and comes at a time when the health sector is grappling with mass emigration of doctors and deteriorating work conditions.
Speaking in Ado-Ekiti, NMA State Chairman Dr. Ifedayo Oreyemi criticized the circular as a violation of previous collective bargaining agreements from 2001, 2009, and 2014. He called on the Federal Government to reverse the decision and urged senior doctors nationwide to join the protest. In a similar stance, the Ondo State NMA, through a communique signed by Dr. Alonge Olumuyiwa and Dr. Olaopa Gideon, demanded a 300% pay increase for doctors and described the circular as ill-conceived and damaging to an already fragile healthcare system.
Both states emphasized that the circular’s timing is particularly harmful given the ongoing shortage of medical personnel due to the “Japa” trend. They highlighted poor remuneration, backlog of arrears, and worsening conditions of service as critical issues demanding urgent attention, warning that continued inaction could result in a national healthcare crisis.
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