The Federal Government has put on hold the implementation of newly approved allowance circulars for medical, dental, and other health professionals in the federal public service, pending further consultations with relevant stakeholders.
This decision was disclosed in a circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), dated 18th July 2025, and signed by the Executive Chairman, Ekpo U. O. Nta, Esq.
According to the memo, the suspension follows a high-level meeting chaired by the Hon. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, in his capacity as the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Salaries (PCS). The meeting, which held at 3:00 p.m., reviewed the proposed implementation of allowance adjustments for health professionals across the federal workforce.
The affected circulars—SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646 and SWC/S/04/S.218/III/651 dated 27th June 2025, as well as SWC/S/04/S.410/VII/658 dated 30th June 2025—are now suspended to allow for further dialogue.
“It was agreed that implementation… should be suspended to allow for further consultation with the various professional associations and unions in the health and education sectors,” the circular stated.
The circular was addressed to key figures in the federal administration, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Honourable Ministers, Heads of Service, and Directors-General of relevant agencies.
The development has sparked fresh interest in the government’s ongoing wage review efforts, as many health workers had anticipated a long-overdue boost in their allowances. Representatives of unions in the health and education sectors are expected to be invited for comprehensive discussions in the coming weeks.
Efforts to obtain reactions from key stakeholders were still ongoing at press time, but the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) are expected to issue official responses soon.
Observers note that while the suspension may delay the implementation of financial benefits, it also offers a window for all parties to negotiate more sustainable and agreeable terms.
