The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Enugu State branch, has declared full support for the 21-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government by the national leadership of the association on July 2, 2025, over what it described as a “continued assault on the medical profession.”

 

This was disclosed in a statement released to journalists on Monday and signed by the Enugu State NMA Chairman, Dr. Ndiowelu Chibuzo.

 

Dr. Chibuzo expressed deep disappointment over the recent circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), with Ref: SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646, dated June 27, 2025. He condemned the circular as unacceptable, alleging that it was unilaterally implemented without consultation and in violation of multiple collective bargaining agreements signed in 2001, 2009, and 2014.

 

“This adjustment of allowances for Medical and Dental Officers under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) was done unilaterally, grossly inadequate, and a breach of prior CBAs with the government,” Chibuzo stated.

He further noted, “This circular went on to erode the existing sacrosanct wage relativity between doctors and other health workers within the sector.”

 

The Enugu NMA, according to the statement, has thrown its weight behind the national body’s demands, which include:

 

Immediate withdrawal and rectification of the NSIWC circular.

 

Restoration of wage relativity and adherence to previous CBAs.

 

Implementation of all agreed remuneration and professional allowance reforms, including the full payment of CONMESS arrears, clinical duty, and accoutrement allowances.

 

Universal application of CONMESS across all federal and state Medical and Dental MDAs to curb internal brain drain.

 

Immediate payment and upward review of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).

 

Constitution of governing boards for federal health institutions.

 

Issuance of a circular on the reviewed retirement age for doctors.

 

Reversal of appointments of non-physician consultants in clinical roles.

 

 

Dr. Chibuzo emphasized that the Federal Government must treat these demands with urgency, warning that failure to do so before the expiration of the 21-day ultimatum would leave the association with no choice but to take further action.

 

“We are by this release putting the government on notice that this may include withdrawal of service,” he stated.

 

The Enugu NMA reiterated its commitment to protecting the dignity of labour in the medical profession and preventing a total collapse of Nigeria’s already fragile healthcare system.