The Federal Government has suspended the implementation of a controversial 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, attracted widespread condemnation from major medical bodies, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
In reaction, the NMA had on June 2 issued a 21-day ultimatum demanding the immediate withdrawal of the circular and other outstanding demands, warning of a nationwide shutdown of medical services should the government fail to comply by July 23.
Speaking on the issue, NMA President, Prof. Audu Bala, condemned the provisions of the circular, saying it introduced unilateral changes that were not mutually agreed upon and which threaten the welfare and remuneration of medical professionals across the country.
Confirming the suspension of the circular, NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, told our correspondent on Monday that the decision followed 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.
“Arising from the meeting chaired by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy today, it was agreed that the implementation of the circular referenced SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646 should be suspended to allow for further consultations with various professional associations. So, it has been suspended for further negotiations,” Osundara said.
The development may have temporarily averted an industrial crisis in the nation’s healthcare sector.
However, the medical associations have stated that they will remain vigilant and continue to engage with the government to ensure the protection of their rights and welfare.
Details to follow…
