The Federal Government has suspended the circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) that reviewed allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service.
The now-suspended circular, dated June 27, 2025, had sparked outrage across medical associations, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
The NMA had on July 2 issued a 21-day ultimatum demanding the withdrawal of the circular and resolution of other pressing issues, threatening a nationwide shutdown of medical services if unmet by July 23.
NMA President, Prof. Audu Bala, criticized the circular for containing unilateral provisions that undermine doctors’ welfare and breach previous agreements with the government.
Speaking with our correspondent on Monday, NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, confirmed that the government had agreed to suspend the implementation of the controversial circular.
“Arising from the meeting chaired by the Honourable Minister of Finance, who also serves as Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Salaries, it was agreed that implementation of circular number SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646 should be suspended for further consultations,” Osundara stated.
The government also held high-level meetings with the NMA leadership to avert industrial action. Prof. Bala noted that officials appeared committed and serious about addressing the association’s concerns.
A follow-up circular, dated July 18 and obtained by our correspondent, confirmed the suspension. Signed by NSIWC Chairman Ekpo Nta and addressed to key government officials, the memo suspended three circulars, including SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646 and two others, to allow broader consultation with health and education sector unions.
