By Israel Adamu, Jos
The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has declared its full support for the 21-day ultimatum issued by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to the Federal Government, demanding the withdrawal of a recent circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).
The circular, referenced SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646 and dated June 27, 2025, concerns the review of allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service—a move the NMA has strongly opposed.
In a statement issued in Jos, Plateau State, MDCAN described the circular as “grossly inadequate, misleading, and a flagrant violation” of existing collective bargaining agreements between the NMA and the Federal Government.
Jointly signed by MDCAN President, Prof. Mohammad Aminu, and Secretary, Prof. Daiyabu Alhaji, the statement urged the Federal Government to immediately withdraw the circular and implement consequential adjustments in line with previous agreements from 2001, 2009, and 2014.
“MDCAN will abide by any directive from the NMA. We are in full support and solidarity. We demand urgent government action to address these pressing issues,” the statement read.
The consultants also demanded:
- Correction of relativity between CONMESS and CONHESS, and its application in all professional allowances, especially call duty.
- Settlement of outstanding arrears of 25% and 35% CONMESS, clinical duty, and accoutrement allowances.
- Payment and review of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) in line with current economic realities.
- Release of the circular on clinical duty and other allowances for honorary consultants, agreed upon in January 2024.
- Implementation of scarce skills and specialist allowances for medical consultants and house officers.
- Compliance with the 2021 collective bargaining agreement on hazard allowance and revised CONMESS.
- Universal application of CONMESS across all federal and state MDAs and universities to curb internal brain drain.
- Reversal of the appointment of non-medical professionals as consultants to safeguard patient care standards.
Additionally, MDCAN called on the Federal Government to:
- Provide comprehensive health insurance for all medical and dental practitioners.
- Constitute governing boards for federal hospitals to enhance governance and efficiency, as stipulated by law.
- Issue a circular implementing the reviewed retirement age for doctors.
- Develop robust welfare and well-being packages, including health and social support systems for healthcare workers.
MDCAN warned that failure to meet these demands could lead to disruptions in healthcare delivery, urging the government to act swiftly to preserve industrial harmony and protect public health.
