The Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has applauded the Federal Government for releasing a corrected version of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) circular through the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).
MDCAN President, Prof. Mohammad Aminu, gave the commendation in a press statement issued at the weekend in Jos, Plateau State.
It would be recalled that in July 2025, MDCAN rejected an earlier NSIWC circular dated June 27, 2025, which reviewed allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service. The association had described the circular as “grossly inadequate, misleading, and a flagrant violation” of collective bargaining agreements between the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the Federal Government.
Prof. Aminu noted that the corrected circular was significant because it upheld the principle of salary relativity in the health sector, a crucial element of the agreements reached with the NMA.
“The restoration of this relativity is essential in recognizing the unique demands and specialized skills of medical and dental consultants and other doctors within the public service,” he said.
However, while commending the government’s action, MDCAN urged urgent attention to other unresolved issues captured in its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the NMA.
“The resolution of the CONMESS relativity is but one element of a broader agreement designed to address the systemic challenges plaguing the Nigerian health sector. The continued delay in implementing these other resolutions is a significant source of frustration and disillusionment among our members,” the statement partly read.
According to the association, pending issues include:
- The conclusion of due process for raising the retirement age of medical consultants from 60 to 70 years, and other healthcare workers from 60 to 65 years, as already approved by President Bola Tinubu.
- Release of the January 2024 agreed Clinical Duty Allowance and other entitlements for honorary consultants.
- Full implementation of the new hazard allowance for doctors in colleges of medicine.
- Immediate payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
- Provision of adequate life insurance coverage for healthcare workers.
- Implementation of measures to curb brain drain and improve hospital infrastructure.
MDCAN stressed that a holistic approach was vital to restoring confidence, boosting morale, and sustaining Nigeria’s healthcare system.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to constructive dialogue with the Federal Government, calling for swift and complete resolution of all outstanding issues in the collective bargaining agreement for the benefit of Nigerians.
