The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Delta branch, has flayed a recent circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), which they view as an affront to the medical profession and a potential catalyst for widespread industrial action across the country.

This condemnation was contained in a statement by the branch chairman, Dr. Israel Adaigho, in Asaba, Delta State capital.
The contentious circular, dated June 27, 2025 (Ref: SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646), announced changes to the allowances for medical and dental officers under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

The Delta NMA described this change as a violation of several long-standing Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) established in 2001, 2009, and 2014.

The association argued that the unilateral actions taken by the NSIWC undermined the established wage hierarchy between medical professionals and their counterparts in the healthcare sector.

The NMA expressed concern over the economic challenges confronting octors, asserting that the circular embodied a lack of sensitivity to these realities.

They expressed strong support for the 21-day ultimatum issued by the national NMA leadership on July 2, 2025, which called on the Federal Government to promptly reverse the NSIWC’s decision and fully implement previously agreed-upon entitlements.

Key demands of the NMA included the immediate withdrawal and correction of the NSIWC circular from June 2025, restoration of appropriate wage relativity and implementation of professional allowances and payment of arrears related to the 25/35% CONMESS adjustment, including clinical and call duty allowances.

Others are the immediate and upward review of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), universal application of CONMESS across all medical institutions to address internal brain drain issues, the issuance of circulars regarding reviewed retirement ages and a reversal of appointments for non-physician consultants, initiation of a long-overdue review of CONMESS and the removal of barriers preventing tax exemption on allowances for medical practitioners.

The Delta NMA noted that their reaction underscored the escalating tension between medical professionals and the government over compensation and working conditions, emphasizing the potential for industrial action if their demands are not met.

The NMA warned that should the Federal Government fail to meet those demands before the expiration of the ultimatum, doctors across the country might be forced to withdraw their services in solidarity with their national leadership—plunging the country into a full-blown health crisis.

The association also called on the Federal Government, the National Assembly, and all relevant authorities to intervene urgently.
Dr. Adaigho further urged state governments to proactively improve the welfare of medical professionals in their jurisdictions and commit to timely implementation of improved welfare packages, noting that the wellbeing of doctors directly impacts the quality of healthcare delivery to Nigerians.

“Nigerian doctors are overburdened, underpaid, and increasingly leaving the country,” he warned. “It is time for the government to act—not just to avoid a strike, but to save the health sector from total collapse.”