Medical doctors in Ekiti and Ondo states have strongly opposed a new directive issued by the Federal Government concerning the review of health workers’ allowances. The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) chapters in both states described the circular as “obnoxious” and a violation of existing agreements, warning of a possible nationwide strike if the policy is not reversed.

The controversial circular, issued by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission on June 27, 2025 (Ref: SWC/S/04/S.218/11/646), proposes an upward review of certain allowances. However, the NMA argues that the move disregards previously established salary relativity between doctors and other health workers and comes at a time when the healthcare sector is grappling with poor working conditions, mass emigration of professionals, and overwhelming workloads.

The national leadership of the NMA has given the government a 21-day ultimatum to rescind the circular. Speaking to journalists in Ado-Ekiti, NMA Chairman in Ekiti State, Dr Ifedayo Oreyemi, called on the Federal Government to immediately withdraw the directive before the ultimatum expires.

“This circular clearly breaches existing Collective Bargaining Agreements, which uphold the principle of relativity in doctors’ remuneration compared to other healthcare workers,” Oreyemi said, adding that the government’s decision reflects "insensitivity and hypocrisy."

He emphasized the quality of Nigerian doctors globally and urged political leaders to invest in the country’s health sector rather than seeking treatment abroad.

Dr Oreyemi listed key demands from the association, including:

Immediate withdrawal of the June 27 circular;

Prompt rectification of consequential salary adjustments in line with the 2001, 2009, and 2014 Collective Bargaining Agreements.

Similarly, the NMA in Ondo State condemned the circular in a communique issued after an emergency meeting in Akure. Signed by its Chairman, Dr Alonge Olumuyiwa, and Secretary, Dr Olaopa Gideon, the document labeled the circular as “ill-timed” given the ongoing exodus of healthcare professionals—a situation popularly known as the “Japa syndrome.”

The Ondo NMA chapter backed the national body’s position and called for:

Immediate withdrawal of the circular;

A review of the national minimum wage to include a 300% increase in doctors' pay.

“This circular could not have come at a worse time. The healthcare sector is already burdened by acute staff shortages, poor remuneration, poor service conditions, and unpaid arrears,” the statement read.

The group urged senior medical professionals to speak out in defense of the profession and directed members to remain on standby for further instructions regarding possible industrial action.