The Federal Government has suspended the implementation of a contentious circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), which reviewed the allowances of medical and dental officers in the federal public service.
The circular, dated June 27, 2025 (Ref: SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646), sparked nationwide outrage among medical professionals and their associations, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
On July 2, the NMA issued a 21-day ultimatum demanding the withdrawal of the circular and fulfillment of other critical demands to avert a nationwide industrial action. The association described the circular as one-sided, noting it contained provisions that were not mutually agreed upon and undermined the welfare of medical professionals.
Following mounting pressure and a series of high-level meetings, the President of NARD, Dr. Tope Osundara, confirmed to our correspondent on Monday that the implementation of the circular had been suspended.
“Arising from a meeting chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, who also serves as Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Salaries, it was agreed that the circular should be suspended to allow further consultation with professional associations,” Osundara said.
A follow-up circular dated July 18, 2025 (Ref: SWC/S/04/S.218/III/658), signed by NSIWC Chairman Ekpo Nta, Esq., formally communicated the suspension. It was addressed to top government officials including the Chief of Staff to the President, ministers, and heads of federal agencies.
The suspension covers Circular Nos: SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646 and SWC/S/04/S.218/III/651 dated June 27, 2025, as well as SWC/S/04/S.410/VII/658 dated June 30, 2025 — all affecting professionals in the health and education sectors.
NMA President, Prof. Audu Bala, acknowledged the government’s responsiveness and commitment to resolving the issues raised. He expressed hope that ongoing negotiations would yield favorable outcomes that reflect the contributions and sacrifices of healthcare professionals.
The suspension is expected to ease tensions in the health sector, at least temporarily, as talks continue between the government and the medical community.
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