Healthcare Crisis Brews In Akwa Ibom As NMA Issues Strike Warning

Akwa Ibom NMA Threatens Strike Over Poor Salaries at Ibom Specialist and St. Luke’s Hospitals

The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a stern warning to the management of Ibom Multi-Specialist Hospital and St. Luke’s Hospital, Anua, threatening to withdraw the services of its members over poor remuneration and welfare conditions.

According to IReporter Online, the association’s chairman, Dr. Aniekan Peter, made the declaration following resolutions reached at the NMA’s 2025 Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference held in Uyo.

He lamented that doctors in both hospitals are being paid what he described as “slave wages,” far below acceptable standards in the state.

Dr. Peter revealed that some doctors at St. Luke’s Hospital earn as little as ₦150,000 monthly, an amount he called “ridiculous and unacceptable.”

He urged the hospital’s management to either improve doctors’ salaries or return the facility to the state government, which had previously operated it.

“Doctors at Ibom Specialist Hospital have worked for years without salary increments or promotions,” Peter said. “We will soon issue an ultimatum to the hospital and withdraw the services of our members unless immediate steps are taken.”

He further called on the governor to constitute a committee that would review and harmonize salaries and working conditions in line with state civil service standards.

According to IReporter Online, the NMA insisted that the welfare of medical personnel must match the government’s efforts in improving health infrastructure. “You can’t build hospitals without investing in the labour force that keeps them functional,” Dr. Peter stressed.

In addition to wage concerns, the NMA is urging the state government to consider transforming the Ibom Multi-Specialist Hospital into a full-fledged medical university. Peter said the facility is large and well-equipped enough to train doctors, physiotherapists, dentists, medical laboratory scientists, and other health professionals.

According to IReporter Online, Dr. Peter commended Governor Umo Eno for appointing three NMA members as commissioners and special advisers.

He also disclosed that the association has launched a statewide sensitization campaign across the 31 local government areas, targeting churches and communities to raise awareness on reducing maternal and child mortality.

The NMA warned that unless urgent action is taken, it will not hesitate to escalate its response, including a possible state-wide withdrawal of services from affected hospitals.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”