South-West Doctors Threaten Strike Over New FG Allowance Policy

• Jul 15, 2025

Doctors from five South-West states in Nigeria have threatened to go on strike if the Federal Government does not withdraw a recent policy introducing what they describe as unfavourable allowances.

At a news conference held in Osogbo on Tuesday, the South-West Caucus of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) — which includes Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Ogun, and Ondo states — condemned the new circular issued by the National Salary, Income and Wages Commission. The circular, which outlines revised allowances for doctors, was criticized as being disconnected from Nigeria’s current economic situation.

Dr Adeshina Fasanu, Chairman of the Caucus and Osun State NMA Chairman, explained that the national NMA leadership has already issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to withdraw the circular. He said the South-West branch fully supports this ultimatum and the demands being made at the national level.

Among the key demands are the immediate reversal of the minimal adjustments in doctors' allowances, which they say fail to respect earlier Collective Bargaining Agreements made in 2001, 2009, and 2014. The group also called for the full payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund and a comprehensive review of the fund to align it with the current economic climate.

Dr Olumuyiwa Alonge, Chairman of the Ondo State NMA, criticized the Federal Government for implementing the new allowances without consulting the association. He said doctors are under immense pressure due to a worsening shortage of medical professionals, with Nigeria now having just one doctor for every 10,000 patients.

In Ekiti State, NMA Chairman Dr Ifedayo Oreyemi said about 2,000 doctors leave Nigeria each year in search of better opportunities. He warned that if the welfare of doctors continues to be neglected, the trend of mass medical migration will worsen.

Dr Luqman Ogunjimi from Ogun State described the new circular as demoralizing, especially for doctors already facing excessive workloads and poor pay. Meanwhile, Dr Happy Adedapo of Oyo State stressed that the allowances being introduced are insignificant in the face of soaring inflation.

The caucus also highlighted other pressing demands, including implementation of the 2021 hazard allowance agreement and the revised retirement age for medical and dental practitioners. They warned that failure to meet these demands would prompt an emergency meeting, where members would be advised on the next steps in collaboration with national NMA leadership.