In a bid to prevent a strike in the health sector, the federal government has promised medical doctors and healthcare workers that their seven months of salary arrears will be settled by the end of August 2025. This assurance comes amid escalating tensions, particularly from the Lagos State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), which has threatened an indefinite strike over what it terms “wicked and illegal” deductions from their July salaries.
Health Minister Prof. Ali Pate made this commitment during a meeting with leaders from major health unions in Abuja. The NMA had recently issued a 21-day ultimatum to the government to address their welfare concerns, indicating a potential nationwide strike if their demands were not met.
In addition to the NMA’s concerns, the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) had previously embarked on a warning strike, which was suspended after stakeholder interventions.
During the meeting, Prof. Pate reiterated the government’s determination to resolve outstanding issues in the healthcare sector and reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving the healthcare delivery system.
Both NMA President Prof. Bala Audu and JOHESU National President Comrade Kabiru Minjibir expressed cautious optimism that the agreements reached could help prevent a looming strike if fully implemented. Stakeholders are hopeful that the federal government will honor its commitments, ensuring continued industrial harmony and uninterrupted healthcare services nationwide.
