FG warns NMA over collision with existing MoU, faults 21-day ultimatum

The Federal Government through the Ministry of Labour and Employment, on Sunday warned the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) against breach of existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), faulting the 21-day ultimatum the association issued the Federal Government.

The government argued that the 21-day ultimatum before a national strike by the Nigeria Medical Association is in direct collision with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on August 21.

The Labour Ministry in a statement titled, ‘Labour Ministry to NMA: Your 21-Day Ultimatum in Collision With Our MoU,’ argued that the NMA’s position was at variance with the timeline stated in the Memorandum of Agreement.

It noted that the ultimatum by the NMA was part of the resolutions reached during its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Benin City, Edo State, last week.

The NMA in a joint statement signed by the President, Prof Innocent AO Ujah, and Secretary, Dr. Philips Uche Ekpe, had declared: “After due consideration, NEC put the Federal Government on a 21 days’ notice to fully resolve all the issues contained in the various agreements signed with Affiliate members of the Nigerian Medical Association (including MDCAN, MEDSABAMS, and NARD).”

The medical professionals threatened that “if the Federal Government fails to implement the agreements after the expiration of the 21-day notice, the NMA will summon an emergency delegate meeting.”

NMA declared total support for the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD)  which members have been on strike since July 31.

Both the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, and the Minister of Health had threatened to invoke “no-work, no pay” on the striking NARD members.

The NMA, affirming its support for the striking doctors and other health workers, declared: “The Nigerian Medical Association fully supports all her affiliates in their efforts to improve the healthcare delivery in Nigeria and the welfare of her members.”

The NMA, thereafter, threatened to proceed on strike, while the NARD strike is still pending.