The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has urged the Federal Government to engage in dialogue with the association to improve healthcare delivery and address looming challenges in the health sector.
The appeal was made by the Lagos State Chairman of the NMA, Dr. Babajide Saheed, during a news conference held on Friday in Lagos.
Saheed stressed that proactive engagement is crucial to prevent a crisis in the sector, particularly in light of recent controversies surrounding the proposed salary structure.
He noted that a collaborative and evidence-based approach is the only way to create a fair and sustainable salary framework that aligns with global best practices and reflects the sacrifices made by Nigerian doctors.
“The NMA Lagos State Branch fully supports the 21-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government by the National Officers Committee of the NMA,” Saheed said.
“This ultimatum is not intended as a threat but as a call for urgent dialogue and the correction of longstanding issues.”
He reiterated the branch’s support for the national body’s demands, which include the restoration of salary relativity, reversal of unjust allowance allocations, and the implementation of a globally competitive remuneration framework.
Saheed also cautioned the Lagos State Government against adopting the proposed salary structure in its current form, advising that the state await a negotiated and NMA-endorsed resolution.
“Lagos has long been a leader in healthcare excellence. Implementing a flawed pay structure would not only damage that reputation but could also lead to avoidable disruptions across health facilities in the state,” he warned.
He further expressed concern that the ongoing brain drain in the health sector would worsen if these issues were not addressed promptly and effectively.
The NMA on July 2 issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to meet its demands.
These include the withdrawal and replacement of the controversial circular issued by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC), resolution of outstanding collective bargaining agreements, payment of outstanding allowances, correction of pay distortions, and protection of doctors’ professional autonomy and dignity.
