NAMDA Extends Strike Ultimatum by Three Weeks, Gives FG Until August 31 to Resolve Dispute

The Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) has extended its earlier 21-day warning strike ultimatum by an additional three weeks to allow more time for negotiations with the Federal Government.

The decision was announced in a communiqué issued at the end of the association’s Emergency National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The communiqué, jointly signed by NAMDA President, Dr. Nosa Lancy Orhue, and Acting Secretary-General, Prof. Aniekan Peter, urged the Federal Government to take advantage of the extension to address all outstanding issues affecting medical and dental academics.

According to the association, failure to reach a meaningful agreement by August 31, 2026, would trigger a three-day warning strike, which will be announced by the National Officers Committee (NOC).

“A three-week timeline extension was adopted for 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,” the communiqué stated.

NAMDA also directed its branches nationwide to intensify mobilisation by organising at least two congress meetings and sensitisation programmes during the extension period.

The association instructed all branches to submit reports and evidence of their mobilisation activities to the National Executive Council through its secretariat, including an assessment of members’ readiness for possible industrial action.

While expressing disappointment over what it described as the Federal Government’s reluctance to conclude negotiations, NAMDA commended the Department of State Services (DSS) and other stakeholders for their intervention in ongoing discussions.

The association also acknowledged the patience and cooperation of its members, saying their commitment had helped maintain stability within Nigeria’s university system.

NAMDA further lamented what it described as the government’s failure to prioritise medical education and training despite the shortage of medical and dental professionals and the continued migration of healthcare workers abroad under the “Japa” trend.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing the full implementation of all approved benefits for medical and dental lecturers and urged members to remain united and comply with resolutions reached at the meeting.