OSOGBO – The South-West Caucus of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has warned that its members may embark on an indefinite strike if the Federal Government fails to withdraw what it described as unfavourable allowances introduced through a recent circular.
At a press conference in Osogbo on Tuesday, the caucus, comprising NMA branches in Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Ogun and Ondo states, said the new allowance structure, introduced by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), fails to reflect current economic realities and breaches prior agreements.
Chairman of the caucus and Osun NMA Chairman, Dr Adeshina Fasanu, said the NMA’s national leadership had issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding a reversal of the circular.
He said the South-West doctors align fully with the national NMA and are calling for an immediate correction of the “inconsequential adjustments,” in line with the 2001, 2009 and 2014 Collective Bargaining Agreements.
Among their demands are the full payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund and its review to match prevailing economic conditions.
Speaking at the event, Dr Olumuyiwa Alonge, Chairman of Ondo NMA, criticised the lack of consultation with medical professionals before the new allowance structure was announced.
“This is the time doctors need to be motivated,” Alonge said, noting the alarming ratio of one doctor to 10,000 patients in Nigeria.
Ekiti State NMA Chairman, Dr Ifedayo Oreyemi, said an estimated 2,000 doctors emigrated annually in search of better working conditions. He warned that unless the government acted swiftly, more doctors would leave the country.
Dr Luqman Ogunjimi, who chairs the Ogun State NMA, described the NSIWC circular as demoralising to doctors already overworked and underpaid.
In Oyo, NMA Chairman Dr Happy Adedapo described the allowance as insignificant against the backdrop of soaring inflation and worsening living conditions.
Among the caucus’s 18-point demands are the implementation of the 2021 hazard allowance agreement and the revised retirement age for medical and dental practitioners.
The doctors warned that failure to address these issues would prompt the caucus to convene an emergency meeting to determine their next line of action, in line with national NMA directives.
