The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has accused the federal government of attempting to plunge doctors into "abject poverty and slavery" by making them work over 72 hours without commensurate pay, as the nationwide doctors' strike enters its eleventh day.

Dr. Aniekan Peter, NMA Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State chapter, made these claims during a press conference in Uyo, lamenting that Nigeria pays among the lowest salaries to doctors globally, which has triggered an unprecedented medical brain drain.

"Nigeria pays one of the worst, if not the worst salary to doctors and that's why you see Nigerian doctors running to Ghana, Togo, Liberia, Cameroon for survival. Is it not a shame that in Nigeria doctors are resigning to work in Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic? Not even USA, UK?" Dr. Peter stated.

The NMA chairman revealed that out of 85,000 registered medical practitioners in Nigeria, only 55,000 remain in the country, highlighting the severity of the healthcare workforce crisis. He called on the federal government to employ more medical personnel, improve welfare packages, and properly equip health facilities.

In a particularly pointed criticism, Dr. Peter expressed concern over what he described as a double standard in the government's approach to healthcare professionals. He noted that while local doctors earn approximately ₦300,000 monthly, President Tinubu's administration plans to send Nigerian doctors to St. Lucia with a significantly higher salary of ₦3 million.

"As Nigerian doctors, we are saying that what is good for the goose is good for the gander," he emphasized.

21-Day Ultimatum and Key Demands

Reading a communique endorsed by the chapter secretary Dr. Edesiri Ighorodje, Peter highlighted the 21-day ultimatum already issued by the National Officer Committee of the association in response to a circular from the National Salaries and Wages Commission.

The association's demands include:

  • A minimum 300% pay increase for all medical and dental practitioners

  • Universal applicability of salary adjustments and allowances for medical practitioners in state MDAs, private sector, and universities

  • Immediate withdrawal of the June 27, 2025 circular on review of allowances for medical dental officers

  • Correction of consequential adjustments in line with previous agreements

  • Settlement of all outstanding areas of 25-35% CONMESS, clinical duty, and accrued allowances

Dr. Peter warned that if these demands are not met, Nigeria's health sector will continue to deteriorate as more healthcare professionals seek opportunities abroad.

The ongoing strike has already significantly impacted healthcare delivery across the country, with patients in public hospitals experiencing delays and disruptions in medical services.

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