The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Oyo State branch, has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Oyo State Government to address the lingering welfare and remuneration crisis facing medical doctors. The ultimatum was contained in a joint statement signed by the State Chairman, Dr. Olufemi Aworinde, and the General Secretary, Dr. J. O. Moharson-Bello. The statement warned that if the government fails to heed the warning, the association may not be able to guarantee continued industrial harmony in the health sector beyond October 12, 2026.
The NMA views with grave concern the worsening welfare and manpower challenges confronting doctors in the service of the state government. The association noted that the difficulties facing members of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, and the Association of Medical and Dental Officers of Oyo State (AMDO) must not be treated as isolated labour disputes. Rather, they are warning signs of a health system under increasing strain, with direct consequences for patient safety, quality of care, and the state's capacity to retain skilled medical professionals.
At LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, resident doctors were forced to embark on industrial action after the expiration of an earlier eight-week ultimatum without resolution of critical welfare concerns. The strike, which has now entered its 38th day, has serious implications for patient care, emergency services, residency training, and the overall functioning of the state-owned tertiary health institution. The NMA listed the immediate priorities of the ARD to include completion of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) payment, implementation of the approved Professional Allowance Table (PAT), and resolution of other outstanding welfare issues that precipitated the industrial action.
The NMA also noted that AMDO, comprising medical and dental officers in secondary healthcare and other state establishments, has formally notified the state government of unresolved welfare and conditions-of-service issues affecting its members. The notice provides a 21-day window for satisfactory resolution and demonstrable implementation, failing which AMDO has given notice of strike commencing on October 12, 2026. Among its immediate demands, the NMA said, are completion of the 2026 MRTF payment, implementation of the approved PAT, and payment of the outstanding Accoutrement Allowance.
The NMA, while acknowledging the efforts of the Oyo state government and relevant officials who have engaged the medical community on some of these concerns, recognises the partial payment of the 2026 MRTF. However, the association stressed that such steps must be followed by timely and demonstrable implementation of the outstanding commitments. It warned that delay in addressing approved remuneration, allowances, career progression, recruitment, and retention has placed doctors under considerable pressure and continues to fuel the loss of skilled medical manpower.
The association maintained that as the Pacesetter state, Oyo must aspire to a health system in which the conditions of service are sufficiently competitive to attract, motivate, and retain the professionals upon whom safe and effective healthcare depends. Reaffirming its solidarity with its affiliates, the NMA said it stands firmly with ARD LAUTECH and AMDO in the legitimate pursuit of their demands. The association called on Governor Seyi Makinde and all relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to move with urgency from engagement to implementation.
The NMA, however, said it remains committed to constructive dialogue and industrial harmony, with its overriding concern being the health and safety of the people of Oyo State. The association warned that should the outstanding issues remain unresolved within the respective stipulated periods, NMA Oyo cannot guarantee continued industrial harmony in the state health sector.
Key points
- The Nigerian Medical Association in Oyo State has given the state government a two-week ultimatum to resolve the welfare and remuneration crisis facing medical doctors.
- The crisis has serious implications for patient care, emergency services, residency training, and the overall functioning of the state-owned tertiary health institution.
- The association warned that delay in addressing approved remuneration, allowances, career progression, recruitment, and retention has placed doctors under considerable pressure and continues to fuel the loss of skilled medical manpower.
