The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has cautioned the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) against issuing public ultimatums over health sector salary adjustments, describing such actions as unnecessary and potentially inflammatory.

The warning comes in response to a 14-day ultimatum issued by the NLC and TUC on January 23, demanding the Federal Government implement the 2021 report of the Technical Committee on the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS). The unions also threatened a nationwide strike in both the public and private health sectors if the government failed to act.

At a news conference in Gusau on Monday, NMA National Publicity Secretary Dr. Mannir Bature argued that the ultimatum undermines careful verification, technical analysis, and institutional engagement required in sensitive salary matters.

“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,” Bature said.

The NMA also rejected claims by the unions that the federal government upgraded the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) in 2014. Bature clarified that no such upgrade occurred, explaining that what took place was merely a correction of long-standing errors and distortions in the application of the CONMESS framework.

“The claims by the NLC and TUC are misleading and capable of fuelling industrial tension in the health sector,” he said. “Portraying the correction as preferential treatment risks creating unnecessary discord within the health profession.”

Bature stressed the importance of inter-professional harmony and constructive engagement, urging the federal government to focus on the ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) process as the lawful and structured platform for addressing remuneration and welfare concerns.

He added that the health sector requires comprehensive engagement, good-faith negotiations, and adherence to clearly defined professional roles to address systemic challenges effectively.

The NMA reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, dialogue, and collaboration with both the government and labour institutions, emphasizing that unity within the health sector is critical for delivering quality healthcare to Nigerians.