There are strong indications that the Federal Government, must have suspended a controversial circular issued recently by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, NSIWC, meant to review the allowances of medical, dental officers, nurses and other personnel only in the federal public health institutions.
The circular, dated June 27, 2025, had caused discontent and criticism from nursing and medical associations, including the Nigerian Medical Association, the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses midwives, NANNM, among others.
While the NMA had issued a 21-day ultimatum to the federal government, NANNM gave 15 days notice to withdraw the circular and meet its other demands to avert industrial action in the all public health institutions.
According to medical professionals, the controversial circular contains provisions that were not mutually agreed upon, which undermine their remuneration and welfare
The strike notice by NMA and NANNM were due to expire this week.
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Meanwhile the claim of a withdrawal of the circular is contained in a publication by punch newspaper, which quotes President of National Association of residents doctors, NARD, Doctor Tope Osundara, as saying “…the circular has been abolished for further deliberations.
The punlication quoted Osundara further saying that “…Arising from the meeting chaired by Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy with his capacity as the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Salaries today, it was agreed that the implementation of circular with reference number SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646, dated 27 June 2025, should be suspended to allow for further consultation with various professional associations…So, it has been suspended for further negotiations…” end of quote.
Efforts by ait.live to get clarification from the executive chairman of the NSIWC, Ekpo Nta has not been successful as he picked but said he will get back.
As at press time, Ekpo Nta is yet to get back to our correspondent
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
