The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has dismissed in totality the recent statements and insinuations credited to the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) alleging that there was an “upgrade” of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) in 2014.
Dismissing the alleged claim by the two trade unions in a press briefing in Gusau Zamfara State capital on Monday, the national Publicity Secretary of the of the NMA, Dr. Mannir Bature, said his association wished to unequivocally clarify that there was no upgrade of CONMESS.
According to Dr. Bature, what occurred was a correction of a long-standing error and distortion in the application of the CONMESS framework, which had persisted despite clear approvals and established public service guidelines.
“This corrective action merely restored CONMESS to its rightful and previously approved position. By every objective, technical, and administrative definition, a correction of an anomaly does not amount to an upgrade.
“The attempt to portray this correction as preferential treatment is therefore misleading and inaccurate, and risks creating unnecessary tension within the health sector.
“Such narratives are capable of fuelling avoidable inter-professional discord at a time when unity and collaboration are critically needed to address the deep-seated and systemic challenges confronting Nigeria’s health system”, Dr. Bature has cautioned.
He further explained that, the NMA is particularly concerned about the adversarial tone and issuance of public ultimatums on a matter that requires careful verification, technical understanding, and institutional engagement.
“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.
“The CBA framework offers a unique opportunity for holistic, inclusive, and sustainable solutions, with all relevant stakeholders adequately represented.
“In addition, the NMA emphasizes the urgent need for government to rationalise the health workforce in a manner that prioritises efficiency.
“Service delivery, and patient outcomes. Greater policy attention should be directed towards retaining, strengthening and incentivizing frontline clinical workers particularly doctors and nurses, who bear primary responsibility for direct patient care and clinical decision-making.
“Such an approach would reduce redundancy, optimize limited resources, improve value for money and ultimately enhance the quality and responsiveness of healthcare services delivered to Nigerians”, he added.
Dr. Bature stressed that the health sector required comprehensive engagement, good-faith negotiations, respect for existing agreements, and adherence to clearly defined professional roles and responsibilities.
The Publicity Secretary further explained that, NMA remains committed to constructive dialogue, transparency, and inter-professional harmony, and will continue to engage responsibly with government and labour institutions in the overall interest of healthcare workers and the Nigerian people.
