By Ayomide Otitoju
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has dismissed claims by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) that doctors benefitted from an upgrade of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), describing the allegation as misleading and capable of escalating industrial tension in the health sector.
Dr. Mannir Bature, NMA’s National Publicity Secretary, stated this on Monday in Gusau, Zamfara State, while responding to ultimatums issued by the NLC and TUC over the ongoing nationwide industrial action by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
According to the NMA, there was no upgrade of CONMESS in 2014 as claimed by organised labour. Instead, the association said a correction was made to address long-standing distortions in the implementation of the salary structure, in line with existing approvals and public service guidelines.
“The NMA wishes to unequivocally clarify that there was no upgrade of CONMESS whatsoever as falsely claimed. What occurred was a correction of a long-standing error and distortion in the application of the CONMESS framework, which had persisted despite clear approvals and established public service guidelines,” the statement said.
The association emphasized that restoring CONMESS to its originally approved position cannot be considered an upgrade or preferential treatment. It warned that misrepresenting the correction as special treatment for doctors could create unnecessary inter-professional conflict at a time when the health sector faces serious systemic challenges.
The NMA also expressed concern over the “adversarial tone” of public ultimatums issued by labour unions, urging the NLC and TUC to exercise restraint and ensure accuracy in their communications on sensitive remuneration issues.
“We urge the TUC and NLC to exercise caution, restraint and responsibility in their public communications, especially on sensitive salary structure issues, so as not to misinform workers or the general public,” the association said.
The NMA called on the Federal Government to remain committed to the ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) process as the lawful platform for resolving industrial and welfare concerns in the health sector. It also urged the government to prioritise workforce rationalisation, retention, and incentivisation of frontline clinical staff, particularly doctors and nurses, while recommending structured outsourcing of non-core support services to improve efficiency and service delivery.
“In addition, the NMA emphasises the urgent need for government to rationalise the health workforce in a manner that prioritises efficiency, service delivery and patient outcomes,” the association stated, reaffirming its commitment to constructive dialogue, transparency, and inter-professional harmony in the interest of healthcare workers and Nigerians.
