The Nigerian Medical Association has threatened that it would embark on a strike on ground medical services nationwide if the government fails to meet its demands as the 21-day ultimatum ends on July 23rd.

The association disclosed this in a communique by Kastina state chapter jointly signed by the Chairman, NMA Katsina, Dr Muhammadu Sani and Secretary, Dr Yahya Salisu and made available to newsmen on Sunday.

The communique which was issued after the association held its State Executive Council meeting on Saturday states that; “NMA Katsina State branch hereby rejects National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission’s (NSIWC) circular (SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646) dated 27th June, 2025 on review of allowances for medical/dental officers in the federal public service and demands urgent government withdrawal action and fulfillment of all the demands.”

It warned that health services may be disrupted if their demands were not met.

NMA president, Prof Bala Audu, also confirmed this in an interview.

He emphasized that the association was strict on its demands as it is critical for the survival of Nigeria’s healthcare system and the welfare of medical professionals across the country.

NEWSMAXNG reported that on July 2, the association issued a 21-day ultimatum to the federal government protesting against a circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission on revised allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service.

The doctors frowned at the circular stating that it violated their prior agreement with the government.

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By the 22-day ultimatum to the FG, the association demanded a withdrawal of the circular adding that the government must meet its other demands to avert industrial action in the health sector.

On Sunday, as the set days draw neigh, the president of the association states that the association might embark on a strike should their demands not be met.

He said; “We have made our position clear. The ultimatum ends on July 23, and if the Federal Government does not address our demands, we may have no choice but to proceed with a strike.

“We have rejected that circular outright. We expect that any new directive affecting our members should be the outcome of mutual consultation, not something imposed.”

Prof Audu further disclosed that the association had been holding meetings with the Federal Government to avert a crisis.

He added; “The last meeting happened two weeks ago and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate; the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako; the Permanent Secretary, the Director of Hospital Services, and the representative of minister of labour were at the meeting, and some affiliate of the NMA were present, and I was part of that meeting as well.

“The minister appreciated us, then he spoke about the issues as contained in the list of demands from the NMA.

“However, he felt that we should go for a further meeting, and another meeting was slated for last week, unfortunately, in the week, we lost the former President Muhammadu Buhari, so the meeting couldn’t be held.

“However, the next meeting is supposed to happen between us, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, which issued a circular that we feel is obnoxious, and we have rejected it. We would also meet with the Ministry of Finance and representatives from the Ministry of Health.”

The president further stated that the association hopes for a reconvening with the federal government.

According to him, the association had hoped for a meeting with the government after the burial of the late ex-president Buhari.

He expressed hope that the government would meet with them by Monday stating that if it doesn’t, then the association would hold the strike.

“If the government fails to prioritise this matter, a strike may be inevitable,” he stated.