The Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has formally rejected the revised allowances outlined by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) for medical and dental officers in the federal public service, joining the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in demanding a complete withdrawal of the circular.
In a joint statement issued on Sunday and signed by its President, Prof. Muhammad Muhammad, and General Secretary, Prof. Daiyabu Ibrahim, the association described the June 27, 2025 circular (SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646) as “grossly inadequate, misleading, and a flagrant violation” of long-standing collective bargaining agreements with the Federal Government.
MDCAN has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the government, warning that failure to act on its demands could result in the disruption of health services.
Among its demands are the immediate correction of consequential salary adjustments and compliance with agreements dating back to 2001, 2009, and 2014, especially in relation to the relativity between the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
The consultants also called for the release of the circular on Clinical Duty and other allowances for honorary consultants, as agreed in January 2024, and the implementation of specialist and scarce skills allowances for medical professionals.
Other demands include the payment of all outstanding arrears related to 25/35 per cent CONMESS, clinical duty, and accoutrement allowances, as well as the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
MDCAN wants the MRTF reviewed to reflect current economic realities.
The association also opposed what it described as the appointment of non-medical personnel as consultants in hospitals. It called for a reversal of such appointments, citing concerns about patient safety and professional standards.
“The immediate reversal of the appointment of other healthcare professionals as consultants in hospitals is necessary to ensure patient safety and uphold standards of care,” the statement read.
MDCAN further demanded the universal application of CONMESS across all government institutions, revised retirement age implementation, and comprehensive health insurance for all medical and dental practitioners, along with enhanced welfare provisions.
“MDCAN is confident that the Federal Government will do all it takes to resolve these issues within the 21-day window period, to avert the potential disruptions in healthcare services and its attendant consequences if these concerns are not resolved,” the association said.
It reaffirmed its full support for the Nigerian Medical Association and said it would await further directives from the NMA, which had earlier warned of possible industrial action if the circular is not withdrawn and other demands met.
