The Federal Government has suspended a recent directive issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, which revised the allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service.
The circular, dated June 27, 2025 (Ref: SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646), drew strong criticism from key medical associations, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
Earlier, on June 2, the NMA had issued a 21-day ultimatum to the government, demanding the withdrawal of the circular and urging fulfillment of other outstanding agreements to prevent a nationwide health sector strike. NMA President, Prof. Audu Bala, criticized the circular, stating it lacked mutual agreement and undermined the welfare of medical professionals.
Speaking to The PUNCH on Monday, NARD President Dr. Tope Osundara confirmed that the circular’s implementation has been put on hold pending further discussions.
“After a meeting chaired by the Honourable Minister of Finance, who also heads the Presidential Committee on Salaries, it was decided that the implementation of the circular (Ref: SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646) be suspended to allow for more dialogue with relevant professional bodies,” Osundara revealed.
More updates to follow.
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