Doctors are Planning a Nationwide Strike on Thursday — Here’s Why

Nigerians may soon face another disruption in the country’s already strained healthcare system as doctors under the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) threaten to embark on a nationwide strike starting Thursday, July 25. 

This comes as a 21-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government is set to expire on Tuesday, July 23, without visible signs of resolution.

The looming industrial action is a controversial circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), which revised allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service. 

The NMA strongly opposes the new directive, accusing the government of going back on earlier agreements and unilaterally imposing unfavorable terms.

Speaking in an interview on Sunday, NMA President, Professor Bala Audu, expressed deep frustration over the government’s handling of the matter. He emphasized that the association’s demands are not just about salaries, but about protecting the structure and survival of Nigeria’s fragile healthcare system.

“We’ve made our position clear. If the Federal Government does not address our concerns before the deadline, we may have no choice but to go on strike,” Prof. Audu said.

The NMA’s primary grievances include the withdrawal of the disputed circular, as well as the restoration of previously agreed allowances and improved welfare for medical professionals. 

According to the association, the circular introduces provisions that were never part of their negotiations and severely undermine the welfare of doctors working in the public sector.

“This isn’t just about money,” Prof. Audu explained. “It’s about fairness and consultation. You can’t introduce a policy that affects people’s lives and careers without involving them in the process.”

While talks have been ongoing between the NMA and key government officials, including the Ministers of Health and Labour, progress has been slow. 

A crucial meeting that was supposed to take place last week was postponed due to the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

With the window for dialogue rapidly closing, Prof. Audu urged the government to act swiftly, warning that failure to reconvene and make meaningful progress before Tuesday could leave doctors with no option but to withdraw their services.

“The ball is in the government’s court now,” he said. “We’re still open to dialogue, but we can’t keep waiting endlessly while our members are being shortchanged.”

The growing frustration is not limited to the national level. In Katsina State, the local NMA chapter issued a communique over the weekend, describing the circular as “obnoxious” and demanding its immediate withdrawal. 

The chapter’s leadership also warned that the government’s inaction was pushing them closer to full participation in any nationwide strike.

The planned strike, if it goes ahead, could paralyze public hospitals and worsen access to healthcare services, especially for ordinary Nigerians who rely heavily on government facilities. It would also compound the existing challenges in the health sector, which continues to battle underfunding, poor infrastructure, and a persistent brain drain.