The Federal Government has suspended the implementation of a controversial circular that slashed the allowances of medical and dental officers in the federal public service, following mounting pressure and the threat of a nationwide strike by health workers.
The circular, dated June 27, 2025, and issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), had sparked outrage across the medical community. Leading professional bodies, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), condemned the circular, describing it as arbitrary and unfair.
In response, the NMA issued a 21-day ultimatum on July 2, warning of an indefinite strike if the government failed to withdraw the directive and meet other pressing demands.
However, speaking on Monday, the President of NARD, Dr. Tope Osundara, confirmed that the controversial circular has now been suspended pending further negotiations.
“Following a meeting chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy—who also heads the Presidential Committee on Salaries—it was agreed that the circular should be put on hold to allow room for wider consultation with relevant professional associations,” Osundara told our correspondent.
An internal memo dated July 18, 2025, and signed by NSIWC Chairman Ekpo Nta, confirmed the suspension. The circular, titled “Re: Review of allowances for Medical/Dental and other health professionals in the Federal Public Service”, was addressed to top government officials, including the Chief of Staff to the President and the Head of the Civil Service.
The NMA President, Prof. Audu Bala, had earlier described the circular as one-sided and detrimental to the welfare of healthcare professionals. He noted that the government’s decision to suspend it and enter fresh talks was a step in the right direction.
“The government has shown willingness to engage, and we hope these talks lead to a fair resolution,” he stated.
With the circular now paused, attention shifts to the upcoming negotiations that may determine whether industrial action will be fully averted before the July 23 deadline.
