Plateau health workers give govt seven-day ultimatum over pay, threaten strike

Medical practitioners in Plateau State are on the brink of industrial action, having issued a fresh seven-day ultimatum to the state government. The ultimatum signals a potential strike over long-standing grievances concerning salary and welfare issues that remain unaddressed.

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The Association Resident Doctors, Plateau State Specialists Hospital first communicated our pressing concerns to you on 21 December, 2025, specifically requesting an urgent review of doctors’ remuneration in the state.

The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) and the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) have both communicated their dissatisfaction. Their primary concern is the government's inaction following a December 2025 request for a review of doctors' pay to align with the current national salary structure.

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This was in keeping with the most recent national salary review. We now write to express our extreme disappointment at the lack of meaningful progress towards addressing these concerns.

This delay has had severe consequences, including a significant exodus of doctors from Plateau State. This brain drain exacerbates an already strained healthcare workforce, leading to growing discontent among remaining medical professionals. The ARD has explicitly stated that industrial harmony cannot be maintained beyond the ultimatum's expiry.

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This inaction from your end has led to exit of doctors from the state and ultimately Shrinking of an initially strained workforce with growing dissatisfaction among our members.

Both associations are demanding concrete actions and clear timelines from the government. Failure to meet these demands before the ultimatum expires will compel them to withdraw their services. They remain hopeful for a swift resolution but are prepared to escalate their actions if their concerns are not adequately addressed.

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Unless concrete actions with reasonable timelines are met, before this day, we shall be compelled to withdraw our services thereafter.