The Federal Government has suspended the recent circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, reviewing the allowances of medical and dental officers in the federal public service.

The controversial circular, dated June 27, 2025, with reference number SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646, drew widespread criticism from medical associations, including the Nigerian Medical Association, the Medical and Dental Consultants? Association of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, among others.

The NMA had on July 2 issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to withdraw the circular and meet its other demands to avert industrial action in the health sector.

The President of the NMA, Prof. Audu Bala, said the circular contains provisions that were not mutually agreed upon and which undermine the remuneration and welfare of medical professionals.

The NMA warned that it will ground medical services nationwide if the government fails to meet its demands at the expiration of the ultimatum by July 23.

Speaking exclusively with our correspondent on Monday, the President of NARD, Dr. Tope Osundara, said the circular has been abolished for further deliberations.

?Arising from the meeting chaired by Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy with his capacity as the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Salaries today, it was agreed at the implementation of circular with reference number SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646, dated June 27, 2025, should be suspended to allow for further consultation with various professional associations.

So, it has been suspended for further negotiations,? Osundara stated.

Earlier, the Federal Government held further high-level meetings with representatives of the NMA in a bid to forestall industrial action.

The NMA President, Prof. Audu Bala, noted that the government appeared committed to resolving all concerns raised by the association and demonstrated seriousness during the discussions.

Also, a circular exclusively obtained on Monday by our correspondent dated July 18, issued by the office of the Executive Chairman of the NSIWC and addressed to the Chief of Staff to the President, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, the Honourable Ministers/Ministers of State, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, and others confirmed the development.

The circular numbered SWC/S/04/S.218/III/658 was titled, ?Re: Review of allowances for Medical/Dental and other health professionals in the Federal Public Service.?

The circular signed by the Chairman, NSIWC, Ekpo Nta, noted, ?Arising from a meeting chaired by the Hon. Minister of Finance/Coordinating Minister of the Economy in his capacity as the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Salaries (PCS) today at 3:00 pm, it was agreed that implementation of Circulars Nos: SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646 and SWC/S/04/S.218/III/651 dated 27th June 2025 respectively; and SWC/S/04/S.410/VII/658 dated 30th June 2025 should be suspended to allow for further consultation with the various Professional Associations and Unions in the Health and Education Sectors.? (The PUNCH)

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