The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) has suspended the implementation of its contentious circular that reviewed the allowances of medical and dental officers in the federal public service.
This decision follows widespread backlash and threats of industrial action from major medical associations across the country.
The controversial circular, dated June 27, 2025, with reference number SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646, had stirred significant opposition from the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), among others. The associations accused the government of unilaterally introducing the policy without due consultation, claiming that it jeopardized the welfare and remuneration of medical professionals.
In reaction to the circular, the NMA had on July 2 issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding its withdrawal along with the resolution of other outstanding issues, to avert a nationwide shutdown of healthcare services.
The NMA President, Prof. Audu Bala, criticized the document, stating that its provisions were not collectively agreed upon and that they posed a threat to the dignity and welfare of medical practitioners.
As the expiration of the ultimatum approached, the NMA reiterated its readiness to ground medical services across Nigeria if the government failed to comply by July 23. To prevent this looming crisis, the Federal Government initiated a series of high-level discussions with the NMA leadership and other relevant stakeholders. Prof. Bala acknowledged the government’s demonstrated commitment to resolving the impasse, highlighting that discussions had shown a seriousness on the part of federal authorities.
NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara confirmed to Punch that the Federal Government had agreed to withdraw the implementation of the circular to pave the way for further consultations.
According to him, “Arising from the meeting chaired by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, who also serves as Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Salaries, it was resolved that the implementation of the circular be suspended to allow broader engagements with various professional associations.”
Further validating this decision, a new circular dated July 18, 2025, and exclusively obtained by our correspondent, confirmed the suspension. The circular, with reference number SWC/S/04/S.218/III/658, was issued by the office of the NSIWC’s Executive Chairman, Ekpo Nta, and addressed to top government officials including the Chief of Staff to the President, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ministers, and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
Titled “Re: Review of Allowances for Medical/Dental and Other Health Professionals in the Federal Public Service,” the document stated, “Arising from a meeting chaired by the Hon. Minister of Finance/Coordinating Minister of the Economy in his capacity as Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Salaries (PCS) today at 3:00 pm, it was agreed that implementation of Circulars Nos: SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646 and SWC/S/04/S.218/III/651 both dated 27th June 2025, and SWC/S/04/S.410/VII/658 dated 30th June 2025, be suspended to allow further consultations with the various Professional Associations and Unions in the Health and Education sectors.”
This development has temporarily eased tensions within the health sector, though the final resolution remains dependent on ongoing negotiations between the government and professional bodies.