The Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria has declared its full support for the Nigerian Medical Association in rejecting the revised allowance structure recently introduced by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.
The controversial circular, dated June 27, 2025, was described by MDCAN as grossly inadequate, misleading, and a clear breach of existing collective bargaining agreements signed with the Federal Government in 2001, 2009, and 2014.
In a statement issued on Sunday and jointly signed by MDCAN President, Professor Muhammad Muhammad, and General Secretary, Professor Daiyabu Ibrahim, the association demanded the immediate withdrawal of the circular.
They warned that the document failed to reflect previous agreements and undermined the relativity between salary structures in the health sector, thereby jeopardizing industrial harmony.
The consultants expressed disappointment that long-standing concerns over entitlements and professional allowances had yet to be properly addressed, despite repeated engagements with government authorities.
MDCAN further called for the payment of outstanding arrears owed to medical and dental practitioners, including clinical duty and hazard allowances.
The association also urged the government to disburse the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund without delay and to review the fund in line with current economic conditions.
It stressed the need for urgent attention to unresolved issues such as the implementation of revised salary structures, better welfare packages, and the proper recognition of doctors’ workloads and specialist roles in public hospitals.
The consultants also criticized the continued appointment of non-physician consultants in medical facilities, describing it as a threat to patient safety and the professional standards of care. They emphasized that only trained medical and dental professionals should occupy such sensitive roles.
In addition, MDCAN advocated for comprehensive health insurance coverage for doctors, the implementation of an appropriate retirement age, and the convocation of fresh collective bargaining agreement negotiations.
Reiterating its alignment with the NMA, MDCAN warned that the Federal Government’s failure to address the outlined grievances within a 21-day ultimatum could lead to significant disruptions in healthcare delivery nationwide.
“MDCAN, in full support and solidarity with the NMA, demands urgent government action to address these pressing issues. We are confident that the Federal Government will act swiftly to resolve them within the 21-day window to avert the potential consequences of industrial action,” the statement concluded.