‎NIGERIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION CANCEL PLANNED PROTEST

The planned strike by the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, scheduled
for today will not hold.
‎
‎The NMA had on July 2 issued an ultimatum in protest against a circular
from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission on revised
allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service,
which the doctors kicked against for violating prior agreements.
‎
‎The association issued a 21-day ultimatum, ending yesterday Wednesday,
July 23, to the federal government to withdraw the circular and meet its
other demands to avert industrial action in the health sector.
‎
‎However, the circular was suspended for further negotiations.
‎
‎On Tuesday and Wednesday, the federal government held further high-
level meetings with representatives of the NMA in Abuja in a bid to forestall
industrial action.
‎
‎The meetings included the NMA alongside the Federal Ministry of Health
and Social Welfare; the Ministry of Labour and Employment; the Ministry of
Budget and National Planning; the Office of the Accountant General of the
Federation; the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation; and
the Incomes and Wages Commission.
‎
‎Speaking to news men after yesterday’s meeting, the NMA President, Prof
Bala Audu, said between today and Saturday, there will be no strike,
adding that there would be another round of meetings today.
‎
‎According to him, if the current pace of resolution continues, it is most
unlikely that there will be a strike.