Oluwatobi Adu 
ABEOKUTA, Nigeria – The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) urges the Federal Government to improve doctors’ welfare and working conditions, warning that poor remuneration and infrastructure continue to weaken healthcare delivery nationwide.
NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, who made the call on Friday at a conference in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the association’s ongoing National Executive Council meeting, says better welfare packages would boost morale, reduce medical brain drain and improve Nigeria’s health outcomes.
“We leave this meeting with a clear message,” Audu says. “It is the quality of what we put into our healthcare system that determines the outcomes, and those outcomes shape the health indices of Nigerians.”
Audu notes that Nigeria still has the capacity to offer world-class medical services, despite persistent challenges facing health workers. “We are calling on the government to prioritise doctors’ welfare by improving work packages and ensuring a conducive working environment,” he adds.
He urges the Federal Government to honour agreements reached with doctors, stressing that implementation remains critical to rebuilding confidence in the healthcare sector.
While acknowledging recent progress, including a 25.5 per cent increase in professional allowances for doctors and other health workers, the NMA insists the adjustment must be reflected in the 2026 national budget.
“This needs to be captured in the budget so that implementation can start in January 2026,” Audu says. “We call on the government to ensure immediate appropriation and execution.”
Beyond advocacy, the association announces a social responsibility initiative, revealing that it has adopted one orphanage in each state to provide healthcare, education and nutritional support to vulnerable children
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Mirian Gom 
Otamere Gladness 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 