Ondo Doctors Issue Eight-day Ultimatum Over Unpaid Allowances

Medical doctors in Ondo State have given the state government an eight-day deadline to address lingering welfare concerns, including unpaid allowances and salary adjustments.

The demand was made by the state chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association in a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr Muyiwa Alonge, on Monday.

The association accused the government of failing to implement key federal government circulars relating to salary adjustments and accoutrement allowance, despite similar policies being operational in other states.

Describing the benefits as legitimate entitlements that are already being enjoyed by their counterparts at the federal level and across several states for nearly a year, the doctors lamented that the government was yet to pay several incentives including the 2024 promotion allowances.

It also lamented that the failure to recruit new health workers had worsened the pressure on those still in service.

The association further noted that repeated engagements with the government, including letters and meetings with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and other officials, had not yielded meaningful results, warning that failure to meet its demands by April 28, 2026, would force it to convene an emergency congress to decide on possible industrial action, including a withdrawal of services.

“We do not want to go on strike, but the system is already under severe strain. The time for action is now,” the statement added.