The Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Aniekan Peter, has strongly criticized the Federal Government for what he described as the systemic dehumanization of medical professionals through poor remuneration and harsh working conditions.

Speaking during a press conference in Uyo on Friday, Dr. Peter condemned the dire state of the healthcare workforce, revealing that many doctors are forced to work for over 72 hours without rest, only to be paid wages insufficient to meet basic family needs.

He described the recent review of medical practitioners' allowances by the Federal Government as both "insensitive and insulting" to the medical profession.

“Globally, healthcare workers receive significant incentives and are treated with dignity. However, in Nigeria, doctors have been reduced to modern-day slaves,” he stated. “Many of us work non-stop for 72 hours or more, unable to go home or even see our children, only to earn salaries that can’t provide three meals a day, let alone support transportation or housing needs.”

Dr. Peter accused the government of pushing doctors into poverty and highlighted a controversial recent circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission which proposed only marginal increases in doctors’ allowances—figures he dismissed as insulting.

He further expressed dismay over the contrasting treatment between Nigerian doctors working abroad and those at home, particularly referencing President Bola Tinubu’s decision to send Nigerian doctors to St. Lucia with a ₦3 million remuneration package, while their counterparts in Nigeria earn around ₦300,000.

“It's shameful that our doctors are leaving for countries like Ghana, Togo, Liberia, and Cameroon in search of better conditions. Nigeria now pays one of the worst salaries to its medical professionals,” he added.

During the press conference, the Akwa Ibom NMA presented a communiqué reaffirming its support for the 21-day ultimatum issued by the National Officers Committee (NOC) of the association in response to the controversial allowance circular.

The state chapter rejected the circular outright and called for the adoption of additional recommendations to the NOC’s 19-point demand presented to the Federal Government.

Key demands include:

A minimum 300% salary increase for all medical and dental practitioners

Uniform implementation of salary adjustments across federal, state, private, and university hospitals

Immediate withdrawal of the June 27, 2025 circular on revised allowances

Rectification of pay disparities based on previous Collective Bargaining Agreements (2001, 2009, 2014)

Proper alignment of salary structures between CONMESS and CONHESS

Payment of all outstanding arrears, including 25–35% CONMESS, clinical duty, and call duty allowances

Dr. Peter urged the government to take urgent action to improve the welfare of healthcare professionals, warning that failure to do so will lead to an even greater exodus of skilled medical personnel from Nigeria.