The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has accused the federal government of trying to drive its members into extreme poverty and servitude by requiring them to work over 72 hours without adequate compensation. Dr. Aniekan Peter, the Chairman of the NMA in Akwa Ibom State, expressed these concerns during a press conference in Uyo, lamenting that Nigeria has one of the lowest salaries for doctors globally. He highlighted that many Nigerian doctors are migrating to countries like Ghana, Togo, Liberia, and Cameroon for better working conditions. He stated, “Nigeria offers one of the worst salaries for doctors, which is why many are seeking survival in places like Ghana, Togo, Liberia, and Cameroon.” Isn’t it unfortunate that doctors in Nigeria are leaving their positions to work in countries like Ghana, Togo, and Benin? Not even the United States or the United Kingdom? Over time, the federal government has driven physicians into complete financial ruin. We have been attempting to connect with the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, via our National Officers’ Committee (NOC). Unfortunately, many of the outcomes have only been promises. Peter expressed his concerns about the significant brain drain in Nigeria’s health sector, noting that out of 85,000 registered medical professionals, only 55,202 remain. He urged the federal government to hire more healthcare workers, enhance their welfare packages, and better equip health facilities to tackle this problem. Additionally, he highlighted the disparity in compensation, pointing out that while the government plans to pay Nigerian doctors sent to St. Lucia N3 million, those working in Nigeria earn a mere N300,000. He emphasized that the treatment of doctors should be equitable, stating, “what is good for the goose is good for the gander.” In a statement issued by chapter secretary Dr. Edesiri Ighorodje following an emergency meeting in Uyo, Peter referenced the 21-day ultimatum set by the National Officer Committee in reaction to a circular from the National Salaries and Wages Commission. He noted that the state association had rejected the circular regarding the review of allowances for Medical and Dental Officers and had made several modifications to the 19-point demands submitted by the NOC to the Federal Government. Among the demands listed were: a threefold increase in the minimum wage for all medical and dental professionals, the universal application of salary adjustments and allowances for these practitioners in state MDAs, the private sector, and universities, and the immediate withdrawal of the circular dated June 27, 2025, concerning allowance reviews for medical and dental officers in the Federal Public Service. Additional demands included correcting the consequences of adjustments according to the agreements from 2001, 2009, and 2014 CBAs, fixing the relativity agreement between CONMESS and CONHESS, and promptly paying off all outstanding areas of CONMESS, clinical duties, and accruement allowances owed to medical and dental practitioners, which range from 25-35%. Peter voiced his concerns that failure to meet their demands will lead to ongoing difficulties in the health sector, as numerous health workers are prepared to depart Nigeria in search of better opportunities.
