The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has rejected claims by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) that doctors received an upgrade of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), calling the allegation misleading and potentially disruptive to industrial harmony in the health sector.
Speaking from Gusau, Zamfara State, NMA’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Mannir Bature, clarified that no CONMESS upgrade occurred.
He explained that what took place was a correction of long-standing distortions in the salary structure, restoring it to its originally approved state.
“A correction of an anomaly does not amount to an upgrade or special treatment,” he emphasised.
The association warned that framing the correction as preferential treatment for doctors could fuel unnecessary inter-professional tensions, particularly as the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) continue their nationwide strike.
NMA also criticised the adversarial tone of public ultimatums issued by the NLC and TUC, urging them to exercise caution and responsibility in communications on sensitive salary matters.
Dr. Bature urged the Federal Government to continue the ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) process to resolve industrial and welfare concerns lawfully.
He also called for health workforce rationalisation that prioritised frontline clinical staff, retention and incentivisation of doctors and nurses, and outsourcing of non-core support services to improve efficiency and patient care.
The NMA reaffirmed its commitment to constructive dialogue, transparency, and inter-professional harmony for the benefit of both healthcare workers and the Nigerian public.
