By Haruna Abdulrashid
The National Association of Resident Doctors (NMA) has convened an Emergency Delegates Meeting (EDM) in Abuja to deliberate on the expiration of its 21-day strike notice issued to the Federal Government.
The meeting, held at the Royal Choice Inn, was presided over by NMA President, Professor Bala Audu, who presented updates on the negotiations and progress made so far.
He disclosed that a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) Committee had been inaugurated to review the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), with NMA duly represented.
He further announced that the controversial circular earlier released by the National Salaries and Wages Commission had been replaced with a new directive, correcting professional allowances and restoring relativity. The revised circular, dated August 19, 2025, was presented to the delegates during the session.
According to Prof. Audu, all arrears, including the 25/35 percent adjustment, accoutrement, and clinic duty allowances, have been processed and are expected to be paid alongside August salaries. He also confirmed that house officers will begin receiving payments based on the 2024 CONMESS starting from this month, while Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) payments for centres yet to be settled are scheduled for release by the end of August.
In light of these developments, the delegates unanimously applauded the efforts of the National Organising Committee and resolved to withhold any strike action until the end of August, pending confirmation of the promised payments. The association will reconvene at its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on August 30, 2025, to review the progress and decide on further actions.
