By Israel Adamu, Jos
The Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has commended the Federal Government through the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) for releasing the corrected Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) circular.
MDCAN President, Prof. Mohammad Aminu, gave the commendation in a press statement issued to newsmen in Jos, Plateau State, at the weekend.
It will be recalled that in July 2025, MDCAN rejected the NSIWC circular dated June 27, 2025, on the review of allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service. The association had described the document as inadequate, misleading, and a violation of previous collective bargaining agreements between the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the Federal Government.
Prof. Aminu noted that the latest action, which upholds the principle of salary relativity in the health sector, is significant and a welcome step toward honouring the agreements reached with the NMA. He stressed that restoring relativity is essential in recognizing the unique demands and specialized skills of medical and dental consultants, as well as other doctors within the public service.
While commending the development, MDCAN urged the Federal Government to address other critical issues in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the NMA.
“The resolution of the CONMESS relativity is but one element of a broader agreement designed to address the systemic challenges plaguing the Nigerian health sector. The continued delay in implementing these other resolutions is a significant source of frustration and disillusionment among our members,” the statement read in part.
According to him, the unresolved issues include the conclusion of due process for the increase in retirement age for medical consultants from 60 to 70 years, and for other core healthcare workers from 60 to 65 years, as earlier approved by President Bola Tinubu. He added that this adjustment would enhance mentorship, training, research, and service delivery.
Other pending matters highlighted include the release of the January 2024 agreed clinical duty allowance and other allowances for honorary consultants, full implementation of the new hazard allowance for doctors in colleges of medicine, immediate payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), provision of adequate life insurance coverage for healthcare workers, and mechanisms to address brain drain while improving hospital infrastructure.
MDCAN urged the Federal Government to show the same urgency and commitment displayed in resolving the CONMESS issue in addressing these outstanding demands.
“A holistic approach is crucial to restoring confidence, boosting morale, and ensuring the sustainability of our healthcare system,” the statement added.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to constructive dialogue with the Federal Government to achieve a swift and complete resolution of all issues under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for the benefit of the Nigerian people.
