The Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has aligned itself with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in rejecting a recent circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission regarding revised allowances for medical and dental officers in federal service.
MDCAN voiced its strong disapproval of the circular, describing it as inadequate, misleading, and a breach of long-standing agreements between medical professionals and the Federal Government.
In a joint statement signed by its President, Prof. Muhammad Muhammad, and General Secretary, Prof. Daiyabu Ibrahim, MDCAN urged the immediate withdrawal of the circular dated June 27, 2025, labeled (SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646). The group cited violations of prior collective bargaining agreements from 2001, 2009, and 2014, stressing that the circular undermines established salary relativity and professional allowances.
MDCAN outlined a comprehensive list of demands, including the correction of discrepancies between the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
“We demand full compliance with the agreed relativity on call duty allowances and immediate payment of all accrued arrears,” the statement emphasized. The group also called for the immediate settlement of outstanding clinical duty and accoutrement allowances.
Further demands include the disbursement and review of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), release of the clinical duty allowance circular for honorary consultants, and implementation of specialist and excess workload allowances. The association also pressed for adherence to the 2021 agreement on hazard allowances and urged the swift finalization of a revised collective bargaining agreement on CONMESS.
In addition to financial matters, MDCAN called on the government to address systemic issues affecting the healthcare sector. These include the universal application of CONMESS across all government-owned institutions, the reversal of non-medical personnel appointed as consultants, and enhanced welfare packages for healthcare workers. The group also advocated for comprehensive health insurance for medical professionals and implementation of a revised retirement age.
Warning of serious consequences if their concerns are not addressed, MDCAN gave the Federal Government a 21-day ultimatum to act. “If these pressing matters remain unresolved, we fear unavoidable disruptions in healthcare services nationwide,” the statement warned, reaffirming its unwavering support for the NMA’s position.
The NMA had earlier issued a similar ultimatum, expressing deep dissatisfaction with the circular and cautioning that failure to comply could trigger industrial action. Both associations are pressing for reforms to restore equity, retain talent, and prevent further deterioration of the country’s healthcare system.
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