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August NMA NEC Meeting Communique

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE AUGUST 2025 NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (NEC) MEETING OF THE NIGERIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (NMA) HELD AT THE BORNO MEETING ROOM TRANSCORP HILTON HOTEL, FCT, ABUJA ON THE 30TH AUGUST 2025

PREAMBLE

The National Executive Council meeting of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) was held at the Borno Hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja on Saturday 30th August 2025. The theme of the Conference and Meeting was “Healthcare in Transition: The Role of Advocacy in Securing the Welfare and Retaining Talent in Nigeria’s Evolving Economy”.

 

The Opening Ceremony which held under the distinguished Chairmanship of the Honorable Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Hon. Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, had several dignitaries in attendance including the Honorable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Ezemwo Wike CON ably represented by the Mandate Secretary for Health Services & Environment, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Honorable Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako ably represented by his Senior Special Assistant, Dr. Ololade Kehinde; the Chairman of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Dr. Prof. Afolabi Lesi, the Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria; Dr. Fatima Kyari. The Conference also had in attendance Past Presidents and Past Secretaries-General of the Association as well as Chairmen and Secretaries from the States and FCT.

A major highlight of the meeting was the unveiling of a ₦37 million welfare fund by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to mark a National Charity Day, scheduled for October 20, 2025, across all 36 states and the FCT. The fund, part of the Association’s corporate social responsibility initiative, will be directed towards supporting orphanages and providing assistance to ailing members.

OBSERVATIONS

  1. NEC welcomes the inauguration of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) Committee by the Federal Government of Nigeria to address welfare and remuneration issues affecting health workers in the country.
  2. NEC noted the withdrawal of the June 27th circular on CONMESS improvement by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC) and the release of another circular on CONMESS and CONHESS which aptly captures the proper placement of health workers in the health sector. The NEC further observed that the circular on professional allowances is yet to be released.
  3. The NEC appreciated the presentation of the committee on National prescription policy made by the Chairman, Prof Afolabi Lesi.
  4. NEC noted that the issues of locum doctors affecting doctors in National Hospital, Abuja has been largely resolved and thanked those involved in solving the issues amicably.
  5. NEC expressed displeasure at the lack of constitution of Boards of Federal Health parastatals and warned that this delay is injurious to proper representation of the Nigerian people at these agencies.
  6. NEC welcomed the payment of two-month arrears of allowances owed medical doctors in the employment of the Federal Government and commended all efforts by the National Officers Committee in securing this payment.
  7. The NEC also noted that the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) has been paid to most of the Resident Doctors while there are some resident doctors that are yet to received their payments.

 

RESOLUTIONS

  1. NEC expressed warm appreciation to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima GCON for their continuous support, approval and endorsement of policies that improve doctors’ welfare at the Federal Executive Council.
  2. NEC noted the recommendations of the Committee on National Prescription Policy and promised to study the document and communicate NMAs position on the proposed policy in due course.
  3. NEC urged the Federal Government to urgently prioritize the reconstitution of the Boards of Federal Hospitals and Health-related agencies and parastatals to enable them function optimally, especially that of the MDCN.
  4. NEC commends the efforts of key Government parastatals and agencies notably the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), National Salaries Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC), Budget Office of the Federation (BOF), Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), Ministry of Labor and Productivity, Ministry of Health & Social Welfare, and other stakeholders involved in discussions at the Committee on Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). NEC also lauded the decision to conclude the CBA process within the month of September, to ensure that it is captured in the 2026 appropriation bill which is being prepared.
  5. NEC applauded the Federal Government on the release of the recent circular that ensures inter-professional relativity and hoped that the circular on professional allowances will be released soon.
  6. NEC reiterated that the casualization of doctors should be discouraged and members of the Association on locum appointments should be converted to permanent employment to address the brain drain challenges in the country.
  7. NEC called on the Federal Government to immediately pay the remaining 5-month arrears of allowances (25/35% wage award, accoutrements and clinical duty) and balance of Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to doctors as agreed in the July 2025 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government and NMA.
  8. NEC resolved that the December 2025 National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and 2026 Annual General Conference and Delegates Meeting (AGC/DM) would be hosted by NMA branches of Ogun State and Kano State respectively.
  9. NEC ratified the appointment of Dr Anas Ismail as the Editor-in-Chief of Nigerian Medical Journal, following the expiration of the tenure of Dr Dantoye Alasia.

 

APPRECIATION

The Nigerian Medical Association expresses its sincere appreciation and is immensely grateful to the following personalities for various roles and support before, during and after the meeting:

  1. The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR,
  2. The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima GCON,
  3. The Honorable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON
  4. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammed Ali Pate,
  5. The Honorable Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa.
  6. The Honorable Minister of State for Health, Iziaq Adekunle Salako,
  7. The Honorable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu,
  8. The Mandate Secretary of Health for the Federal Capital Territory, Adedolapo Fasawe,
  9. The Chairman of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Prof Afolabi Lesi,
  10. The Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Dr Fatima Kyari.

 

Dr. (Prof) Bala Audu                                                 Dr. Benjamin Egbo

President                                                                                 Secretary General

 

 

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Relentless in Advocacy, Committed to Impact: NMA Leadership Advances Welfare Agenda and Strengthens Professional Partnerships

In line with our unwavering commitment to serve, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), under the visionary leadership of our President, Dr. Bala Mohammed Audu, has concluded a productive week of high-level strategic engagements focused on advancing the welfare of Nigerian doctors, consolidating institutional projects, and deepening inter-professional collaboration within the health sector.

The week began with a robust strategy meeting between the NMA President and the National Technical Negotiation Team (NTNT) led by Dr. Nosa Orhue . The NTNT presented a detailed update on negotiations surrounding the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review and other critical welfare demands. These discussions reaffirmed our priority to secure just, competitive, and sustainable remuneration for our colleague medical professionals across the country.

In a major stride toward institutional development, the NMA President, accompanied by members of the National Officers Committee (NOC), paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, a respected healthcare investor and entrepreneur. Deliberations centered on the actualization of the NMA House Project—a long-standing symbol of unity, resilience, and the collective vision of our Association. Discussions also explored collaborative opportunities for the NMA Medical Aid Foundation, with a focus on expanding impactful welfare programs for our members.

Furthering our drive for harmony within the health sector, the NMA President led a solidarity visit to the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) at their national secretariat in Abuja. The warm reception by NANNM leadership led by Comrade Haruna Mamman reflected the shared understanding that inter-professional respect, teamwork, and partnership are essential to delivering quality healthcare in Nigeria. Together, we reaffirmed our commitment to working hand in hand for the good of our patients and the strength of our profession.

The series of engagements climaxed with the official visit of the Honourable Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako, to the NMA National Secretariat. The leadership of the NMA, alongside affiliate representatives, held robust discussions with the Minister on a wide array of pressing issues including doctors’ welfare, policy implementation, medical training, and workplace conditions. The Honourable Minister gave firm assurances of the government’s commitment to actionable progress.

                   

In his remarks, Dr. Bala Mohammed Audu reiterated the NMA’s resolute dedication to advocating for every Nigerian doctor. He emphasized that the present NOC remains focused, deliberate, and unshaken in its pursuit of lasting solutions to long-standing challenges.

To our members across the country, we see your sacrifice and we share your hopes. Your continued support and faith in the NMA leadership inspire us daily. We remain committed to delivering the outcomes you deserve.

Yes we shall, together!

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NMA CONGRATULATES PROFESSOR CHRIS PIWUNA ON HIS ELECTION AS ASUU PRESIDENT

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), under the leadership of Dr. (Prof.) Bala Mohammed Audu, extends heartfelt congratulations to Professor Chris Piwuna on his election as President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

Professor Piwuna’s emergence is not only a personal triumph but a moment of collective pride for the Nigerian medical Association and the academic communities. As a distinguished psychiatrist and seasoned academic leader, his journey reflects the resilience, integrity, and commitment required to lead in challenging times.

His election comes at a critical juncture for our nation’s university system, and the NMA stands in full solidarity with ASUU as it continues to champion the rights and welfare of academic staff and the transformation of higher education in Nigeria.

Professor Piwuna previously served as Chairman of the NMA Plateau State Branch and later as the Second Vice President of the Nigerian Medical Association.”

We are confident that Professor Piwuna’s principled leadership will bring renewed energy to the cause of educational reform and that his tenure will open new avenues for collaboration between ASUU and professional bodies like the NMA in shaping national discourse, promoting research, and raising professional standards for global competitiveness.

In unity and shared purpose, we celebrate this milestone and stand ready to work together in building a stronger, more equitable future for Nigeria’s educational and healthcare systems.

Congratulations, Professor Chris Piwuna.

We wish you a successful and impactful tenure.

 

Dr. Mannir Bature

National Publicity Secretary

Nigerian Medical Association

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COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (NEC) AND THE ANNUAL GENERAL/SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE AND DELEGATES MEETING (AGSC/ADM) HELD AT BELLO KOFAR BAI STATE SECRETARIAT HALL, KATSINA FROM 28TH APRIL TO 2ND MAY 2025

PREAMBLE:

The National Executive Council Meeting and the Annual General/Scientific Conference and Delegates Meeting of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) was held at the Bello Kofar Bai State Secretariat Hall, Katsina from the 28th April to 2nd May 2025. The theme of the Conference was “The Universal Applicability of Care Standards for Patients and the Wellbeing of Healthcare Providers”.

The National Executive Council meeting was heralded by courtesy calls on the Executive Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency Mallam Dikko Umaru Radda PhD CON, the Emir of Katsina, His Royal Highness Abdulmumuni Kabir Usman CFR, the Emir of Daura, His Royal Highness Umar Faruk Umar CFR, the Hon Commissioner of Health Katsina State, Hon. Musa Adamu Funtua, the Chief Medical Director, Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina, Dr. Suleiman Bello Mohammed, the Medical Director of the National Obstetric Fistula Centre Babbar-Ruga, Dr. Sadiya Nasir, the Chief Executive Officer of MaxAir, Alhaji Dahiru Bara’u Mangal OON and the Katsina State Orphanage. At the orphanage, off the counter medications, educational materials and foodstuff for balanced nutrition were donated. The orphanage was officially adopted by the NMA for sustainable support around these three main areas. The Association also conducted medical and surgical outreaches across all three senatorial districts of Katsina State, including 100 free eye surgeries and medications at Katsina Eye Center (Katsina Zone), 2000 free consultations and medications at Kankia LGA (Daura Zone), and 100 free surgical procedures at Malumfashi LGA (Funtua Zone).

The Opening Ceremony of the AGSC/ADM under the distinguished Chairman of the Chief Judge of Katsina State, Justice Musa Danladi, was attended by several prominent Nigerians including the Executive Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency Mallam Dikko Umaru Radda PhD CON; the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Head of Service; the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Hon. Faruk Lawal Jobe; the Honorable Minister of Health, Prof Muhammed Ali Pate CON, represented by the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina; Honorable Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Hon. Dr. Tanko Yusuf Sununu represented by Dr. Jubril Gwandu, the Honourable Commissioners of Health of Katsina and Kano States. 

The Keynote address was delivered by Emeritus Prof. Musa Muhammed Borodo, here he emphasized that Governments especially the Federal Government must lead the re-awakening in terms of reviewing the expired NSHDP 2018-2022 and urgently develop a new plan for the country. He also urged for salary harmonization for health workers across the country. The ceremony was also graced by Past Presidents of the Association, Past Secretaries-General of the Association as well as many State Chairmen and Secretaries from the 36 states and the FCT. 

The National Executive Council (NEC) meeting which followed the conclusion of the Opening Ceremony had in attendance State Chairmen from 36 states and the FCT, statutory and ad-hoc Committee Chairmen as well as medical doctors from over the country had engaging conversations. The President Dr. (Prof.) Bala Audu in his remarks welcomed members to the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and appreciated members for their cooperation in the last one year of his administration. He further emphasized that NMA remains committed to ensuring that quality of care is improved across all the health systems and that the health system continues to improve remarkably to ensure quality healthcare services to the Nigerian populace. 

 

OBSERVATIONS:

  1. NEC notes with appreciation the giant strides undertaken by the Governor of Katsina State especially in the health sector and urge him to continue to support the entrenchment of quality healthcare in the State.
  2. NEC commends the gesture of the Kano State Government in supporting the Association building project in Abuja and appreciates the donation by His Excellency Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf.
  3. NEC observes the implementation of improved remuneration packages for the doctors working with Abia State government and salutes the efforts of the governor, His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti CFR.
  4. NEC appreciates the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno for finding three (3) members of the association deserving of being appointed into the State Executive Council as Commissioners. 
  5. NEC observed with dismay the proposal on the National prescription policy that is currently being pushed forward citing sponsorship by a particular body with a potential to bias the recommendations.
  6. NEC frowned at the constant and continuous casualization of appointment of Medical Doctors across various centres in the country and recognizes that it is a recipe for worsening the brain drain syndrome Nigeria is currently experiencing. 
  7. NEC observed with concern the lack of universal applicability of the implementation of CONMESS and its consequential adjustment for doctors across the country and frowns at this as it violates the principle of equity that allows even distribution of doctors across the country. 
  8. NEC notes the effort of the Ministry of Housing and Urban development in providing houses for the generality of Nigerians through an appropriate mortgage arrangement and urges the Ministry to prioritize the inclusion of medical doctors across the country.
  9. NEC re-affirms that health insurance remains a viable way of ensuring that all cadres of Nigerians including medical doctors have access to quality and affordable healthcare services in Nigeria.
  10. NEC notes with concern the re-emergence of security threats across the country which is causing worsening tension and aggravating the already hostile economic environment in the country. 
  11. The ADM notes the lingering crisis in Kogi State and urges all parties to seek amicable resolutions and sue for long lasting peace.
  12. The ADM observed the delay in the payment of the outstanding arrears of the consequential adjustment of CONMESS to doctors working in Federal Teaching Hospitals and notes that the delay in payment is causing increasing agitation amongst members nationwide. 

 

RESOLUTIONS:

  1. NEC resolved its commitment to ensuring that the universal applicability of CONMESS to all cadres of doctors working across all sectors in Nigeria is implemented across board and will continue to advocate and lobby all relevant stakeholders to ensure it is done. 
  2. NEC resolved to institute an award of recognition to the Executive Governor of Kano State, His Excellency, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, for displaying uncommon support to the Association towards its building project. 
  3. NEC resolved that all doctors who are interested in doctors housing project should get their names across to the National Officers Committee through their State Chairmen who will then collate and transmit it to the Ministry of Housing and Urban development. NEC also encouraged State Chairmen to visit, inspect and familiarize themselves with the land across the various States.
  4. NEC advised all State branches to encourage their members to subscribe for comprehensive health insurance that has favorable premiums. 
  5. NEC unilaterally rejects the proposal on the National prescription policy and resolved to write a position paper on behalf of the Association on the policy to relevant stakeholders.
  6. NEC advised Medical Directors of Hospitals and health centres nationwide to use all measures necessary to ensure that medical practitioners that are on locum appointment be offered permanent employment within the shortest possible time. 
  7. NEC resolved to continue the processes for the establishment of a Medical University by the Nigerian Medical Association to advance the course of medical education in Nigeria. 
  8. NEC resolved to seek alternative sources of funding for the completion of the NMA building and to also explore re-negotiation of the existing contract arrangement with the current developer. NEC advised the National Officers Committee to seek the modality of introducing share-holding to ownership of the building. 
  9. NEC resolved to apply the provisions of Article 25, Section 8 to some members of the Association in Enugu State and Delta State who have taken the Nigerian Medical Association to court without recourse to the available internal dispute resolution mechanism of the Association. The affected doctors in Enugu State are Dr. Esther Ekwe, Dr. Sunday Okafor, Dr. Nwachukwu Ogbonna, Dr. Jude Onyia, Dr Onyebueze John Ugochukwu and Dr. (Prof.) Sam Ohaegbulam. The affected doctors in Delta State are Dr. Marcel Onochie, Dr. Samuel Agboma and Dr. John Afam Osemen.
  10. ADM resolved that the National Officers Committee should continue to pursue the arrears of the consequential adjustment of CONMESS using the current method adopted and should re-appraise progress made at August NEC. 
  11. The ADM resolved to award honors to Dr Jubril Aminu, Dr Ibrahim Wada and Dr. Akin Osibogun and posthumously to Late Dr. Dan Gana, Dr. Lawrence Kayode Obembe and Dr. Umaru Shehu. 
  12. The ADM resolved that the National Officers Committee should pursue amicable settlement in Kogi State NMA branch in the dispute between affected members in Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja and the management of the Hospital.

 

APPRECIATION:

The Nigerian Medical Association expresses its sincere appreciation and is immensely grateful to the following personalities for various roles and support before, during and after the meeting:

  1. The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
  2. The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; His Excellency Sen. Kashim Shettima GCON.
  3. The Executive Governor of Katsina State, Mallam Dikko Umar Radda CON.
  4. The Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf
  5. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate.
  6. The Honorable Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako.
  7. The Honorable Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Hon. Dr Tanko Yusuf Sununu.
  8. The Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr. Salma Anas.
  9. The Royal Father of the day, the Emir of Katsina, His Royal Highness Abdulmumuni Kabir Usman CFR.
  10. The Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Dr. Fatima Kyari.
  11. The Ag. Registrar of the National Postgraduate Medical College, Dr. S.S Sule.
  12. The Keynote Speaker and other sub-theme speakers

 

Special appreciation to the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee and the State Officers Committee led by the Chairman NMA Katsina State; Dr. Muhammadu Sani Abubakar, sponsors, volunteers and corporate Organizations who supported the hosting of the NEC and the AGSC/ADM. 

NMA congratulates the NMA Katsina for a hitch-free hosting. 

Signed

Dr. (Prof) Bala Audu                                                                                                    Dr. Benjamin Egbo

 President                                                                                                                          Secretary General

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The Nigerian Medical Association is the largest medical association in the West African sub-region with over 100,000 members.

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