NAMDA Issues FG Three-Week Ultimatum Over Unmet Demands

Following a meeting of its Emergency National Executive Council, the Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics has given the Federal Government a three-week window to address its outstanding demands. The communiqué, signed by the President, Dr Nosa Lancy Orhue, and the Acting Secretary-General, Prof. Aniekan Peter, in Uyo, indicated that if the government fails to meet these demands by August 31, 2026, the association will declare a strike. The decision was made after the association's E-NEC meeting, where it was resolved that the government should use the extension period to resolve all outstanding issues. The communiqué stated, 'A three-week timeline extension was adopted for a possible further consideration. E-NEC further resolved that the extension period should be utilised by government to resolve all outstanding issues. Failure to achieve meaningful resolution at the expiration of the period ending on the 31st of August 2026 shall result in the declaration of a three-day warning strike to be announced by NOC.' The association has also directed its branches nationwide to engage their members through congresses and sensitisation programmes, at least twice within the given timeframe, and to send reports of these activities to the NEC. While expressing disappointment over the government's slow pace in negotiations, NAMDA commended the Directorate of State Services and other friends of the association for their intervention efforts. The association also lamented the lack of prioritisation of medical education and training, despite the shortage of medical and dental doctors in the country, and reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing the full implementation of approved benefits for medical and dental lecturers.