The Federal Government has suspended the implementation of a recent circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) that reviewed the allowances of medical and dental officers in the federal public service.
The circular, dated June 27, 2025, and referenced SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646, had sparked strong criticism from key medical bodies, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
The NMA had, on July 2, issued a 21-day ultimatum demanding the withdrawal of the circular and addressing other pressing concerns to avert a nationwide strike.
According to the NMA President, Prof. Audu Bala, the provisions in the circular were not mutually agreed upon and threatened the welfare and remuneration of medical professionals.
He warned that failure to address these issues by the July 23 deadline could lead to a nationwide shutdown of medical services.
Speaking on Monday, NARD President Dr. Tope Osundara confirmed that the implementation of the circular had been suspended pending further deliberations.
“Following a meeting chaired by the Minister of Finance, who also serves as the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Salaries, it was resolved that the implementation of the circular referenced SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646, dated June 27, 2025, be suspended for additional consultations with relevant professional associations,” Osundara stated.
Earlier, the government had intensified negotiations with NMA officials to prevent a disruption in the health sector. Prof. Bala acknowledged the government’s willingness to address the concerns raised and noted a positive shift during the discussions.
A follow-up circular obtained on Monday, dated July 18, 2025, and signed by NSIWC Chairman Ekpo Nta, Esq, confirmed the suspension.
The document, titled “Re: Review of Allowances for Medical/Dental and Other Health Professionals in the Federal Public Service”, was addressed to top government officials, including the Chief of Staff to the President and various ministers.
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The circular stated, “Arising from a meeting chaired by the Hon. Minister of Finance/Coordinating Minister of the Economy, in his capacity as Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Salaries, it was agreed that implementation of Circulars Nos: SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646 and SWC/S/04/S.218/III/651 dated 27th June 2025; and SWC/S/04/S.410/VII/658 dated 30th June 2025, should be suspended to allow for further consultation with various professional associations and unions in the health and education sectors.”
The suspension is seen as a crucial step toward resolving the impasse and averting an impending nationwide strike in the healthcare sector.
