The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Abia State chapter, has officially rejected the June 27, 2025 circular issued by the National Salary Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC) regarding the review of allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service.

During a press conference held at the NMA Secretariat in Umuahia on Friday, the Chairman of NMA Abia State, Dr. Ezuruike Ezinwa, declared the chapter's full support for the 21-day ultimatum given to the Federal Government by the National body of the NMA, led by its President, Professor Bala Mohammed Audu.

Dr. Ezinwa emphasized that the recent circular represents a "gross violation of the agreement negotiated and agreed upon during collective bargaining with the Federal Government of Nigeria." He described the disregard for due process and previous agreements as "an affront to democratic governance."

"We at NMA Abia State, having x-rayed all the issues at hand, state that we align totally and unequivocally with the ultimatum issued by our National body under the able leadership of our President, Professor Bala Mohammed Audu," Dr. Ezinwa stated.

The Abia NMA members lamented that the June 27, 2025 circular has "aggravated the festering wounds of the few Doctors and Nurses that are still practicing in Nigeria," highlighting concerns about the increasing exodus of medical professionals to foreign countries due to welfare issues being relegated to the background.

Key Demands from Abia NMA

The Abia chapter of the NMA has outlined several demands, including:

  • Immediate withdrawal of the June 27, 2025 circular on the review of allowances for Medical and Dental officers in the federal public service

  • Hospitals to be headed by Medical Doctors

  • Issuance of a circular implementing the reviewed retirement age for medical and dental practitioners

  • Implementation of the 18-point demands presented by the National body of the NMA

The association's stance reflects growing concerns within Nigeria's healthcare sector about working conditions and remuneration for medical professionals, which many believe are contributing factors to the brain drain affecting the country's healthcare system.

As the 21-day ultimatum progresses, all eyes will be on the Federal Government's response to the demands of the medical practitioners, with potential implications for healthcare delivery across the country.

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