The Federal Government has bowed to mounting pressure from medical professionals and suspended a controversial circular that reviewed the allowances of medical and dental officers in the federal public service.
The circular, issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) on June 27, 2025, and referenced SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646, sparked outrage within the medical community.
Prominent professional bodies, including the Nigerian Medical Association, the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, vehemently opposed the circular, describing it as unilateral and detrimental to the welfare of doctors.
Speaking exclusively to Punch Healthwise on Monday, July 21, the President of NARD, Dr. Tope Osundara, confirmed the suspension of the directive after a high-level meeting chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, who also serves as Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Salaries.
“During today’s meeting, it was resolved that the implementation of the circular should be put on hold to enable further consultations with relevant professional associations,” Dr. Osundara said. “So, for now, the circular has been suspended.”
The NMA had earlier issued a 21-day ultimatum on July 2, warning of an imminent nationwide strike if the government failed to withdraw the circular and address other outstanding demands. With the ultimatum set to expire on July 23, tension had been mounting across the health sector, with fears of a total shutdown of medical services.
President of the NMA, Prof. Audu Bala, had previously condemned the circular, asserting that it contained provisions that were not agreed upon through proper stakeholder engagement. “The circular undermines the remuneration structure and welfare of medical professionals. It is not just unjustified, it is unacceptable,” Prof. Bala stated.
He further warned that any attempt to impose the document without addressing doctors’ concerns would destabilize an already fragile healthcare system.
