The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Delta State Branch, has strongly condemned the recent circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) on the adjustment of allowances for medical and dental officers under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
NMA in a statement endorsed by the Chairman Delta State branch of the Association, Dr. Israel Adaigho and made available to newsmen in Asaba, described the development as a grave assault on the medical profession.
The branch said it is in full support of the 21-day ultimatum issued by the national leadership of the NMA to the Federal Government dated July 2, 2025.
The statement notes that the controversial NSIWC circular (Ref: SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646) circulated on 27th June 2025, was issued without consultation with doctors.
It says that action violated existing Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) signed in 2001, 2009, and 2014, and significantly eroded the established wage relativity between doctors and other healthcare workers.
“This act not only violates longstanding agreements but also demonstrates the insensitivity of the government to the prevailing economic hardship faced by Nigerian doctors,” the statement added.
The Delta NMA listed the demands of its national body to include, ‘Immediate withdrawal and rectification of the June 2025 NSIWC circular’, ‘Restoration of proper wage relativity and implementation of agreed professional allowances’, ‘Settlement of arrears related to the 25/35% CONMESS adjustment, clinical duty, and call duty allowances’ and ‘Immediate payment and upward review of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF)’.
Others include ‘Universal application of CONMESS across all federal and state medical institutions to stem internal brain drain’, ‘Issuance of circular on the reviewed retirement age for doctors and the reversal of inappropriate appointments of non-physician consultants’, ‘Immediate commencement of the long overdue review of CONMESS’ and ‘Removal of all bottlenecks for the implementation of tax exemption on allowance of medical practitioners as a strategy to curb brain drain’.
The Delta State NMA warns that if the Federal Government before the expiration of the ultimatum does not urgently address the above demands, the association may have no option but to withdraw medical services in solidarity with the national leadership.
The Delta NMA calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly, and all relevant stakeholders to act swiftly to avert a national health crisis.
The branch leadership advocated for State Governments to make commitments to improve the welfare of medical practitioners in their employ and ensure timely implementation of reviewed welfare package.