By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics has given the Federal Government a three-week ultimatum to conclude negotiations over its outstanding demands, warning that failure to reach a resolution will trigger a strike.
The ultimatum was contained in a communiqué issued to newsmen in Uyo on Friday, 7 August, 2026 n which the association threatened that if negotiations remain unresolved by Monday,31 August, 2026, it would declare a three-day warning strike.
The communiqué, endorsed by NAMDA President, Dr Nosa Lancy Orhue, and Acting Secretary-General, Prof Aniekan Peter, disclosed that the three-week extension was adopted at the end of the association’s Emergency National Executive Council meeting.
“A three-week timeline extension was adopted for a possible further consideration. E-NEC further resolved that the extension period should be utilised by government to resolve all outstanding issues. Failure to achieve meaningful resolution at the expiration of the period ending on the 31st of August 2026 shall result in the declaration of a three-day warning strike to be announced by NOC,” the communiqué read in part.
The association subsequently mandated all its branches nationwide to engage members by organising congresses and sensitisation programmes at least twice within the timeframe, directing them to send evidence or reports of the mobilisation activities to the NEC through the secretariat, indicating the level of preparedness for the planned strike action.
While decrying what it described as the Federal Government’s reluctance to conclude negotiations, the communiqué commended the Directorate of State Services and some friends of the association for their ongoing interventions, as well as members’ patience and cooperation in ensuring stability within the university system.
NAMDA further lamented the non-prioritisation of medical education and training in the country, despite a dearth of medical and dental doctors and the ongoing Japa syndrome affecting the health sector.
It reaffirmed the need to pursue the full implementation of all approved benefits for medical and dental lecturers, while urging members to comply with all directives and decisions reached at the meeting.
