By Muhammad Amaan
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has denied the statement credited to the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) alleging that there was an “upgrade” of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) in 2014.
A statement issued by NMA National Publicity Secretary, Dr Mannir Bature, said the association noted with concern recent reports and insinuations credited to the TUC and the NLC, alleging that an “upgrade” of the CONMESS in 2014.
“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.
Dr Bature added that the corrective action merely restored CONMESS to its rightful and previously approved position. “By every objective, technical, and administrative definition, a correction of an anomaly does not amount to an upgrade.”
According to him, the attempt to portray this correction as preferential treatment is misleading and inaccurate, “and risks creating unnecessary tension within the health sector.
“Such narratives are capable of fuelling avoidable inter-professional discord at a time when unity and collaboration are critically needed to address the deep-seated and systemic challenges confronting Nigeria’s health system.”
The NMA stated that it is particularly concerned about the adversarial tone and issuance of public ultimatums on a matter that requires careful verification, technical understanding, and institutional engagement.
“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,” it added.
Furthermore, the NMA calls on the Federal Government of Nigeria to remain focused on the ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) process as the appropriate, lawful, and structured platform for addressing remuneration, welfare, and industrial concerns within the health sector.
The CBA framework offers a unique opportunity for holistic, inclusive, and sustainable solutions, with all relevant stakeholders adequately represented.
In addition, the NMA emphasizes the urgent need for the government to rationalise the health workforce in a manner that prioritises efficiency, service delivery, and patient outcomes.
Greater policy attention should be directed towards retaining, strengthening and incentivizing frontline clinical workers particularly doctors and nurses, who bear primary responsibility for direct patient care and clinical decision-making.
A significant proportion of ancillary and support services, many of which fall outside core clinical functions, can be more efficiently provided through structured outsourcing arrangements.
Such an approach would reduce redundancy, optimise limited resources, improve value for money, and ultimately enhance the quality and responsiveness of healthcare services delivered to Nigerians.
Fragmented interventions, selective narratives, or responses driven by pressure rather than due process will not deliver lasting industrial harmony.
The NMA reiterated that what the health sector requires is comprehensive engagement, good-faith negotiations, respect for existing agreements, and adherence to clearly defined professional roles and responsibilities.
The NMA remains committed to constructive dialogue, transparency, and inter-professional harmony, and will continue to engage responsibly with government and labour institutions in the overall interest of healthcare workers and the Nigerian people.
