Doctors in Akwa Ibom State have warned of an impending strike as frustration mounts over poor wages and the absence of career advancement in two major hospitals. The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in the state said physicians at Ibom Multi-Specialist Hospital and St. Luke’s Hospital, Anua, can no longer tolerate the conditions under which they work.
Speaking at the close of the association’s 2025 Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Uyo, NMA state chairman, Dr. Aniekan Peter, criticized what he described as “slave wages” earned by doctors at St. Luke’s. He noted that some receive barely ₦150,000 monthly — a figure far below the standards for trained professionals. Peter urged the Catholic mission running the hospital to urgently review its policies or consider returning control to the state government.
The situation at Ibom Multi-Specialist Hospital, he added, is equally troubling. Doctors there have not seen a pay increase or promotion in years, leaving morale at rock bottom. Peter confirmed that the union is preparing to serve an ultimatum that could result in doctors withdrawing their services unless immediate changes are made.
The NMA is calling on Governor Umo Eno to intervene by setting up a committee that would guarantee fair wages and service conditions in line with the state civil service structure. Peter argued that the government’s heavy investment in infrastructure would be wasted if the welfare of health professionals is ignored.
Beyond salaries, the association suggested upgrading Ibom Multi-Specialist Hospital into a medical university to address manpower shortages across medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, laboratory sciences, and related fields.
Despite their grievances, the NMA acknowledged Governor Eno for appointing some of their members into top government positions, describing the move as encouraging. The body also announced that it has launched a sensitization program across churches in all 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom, aimed at tackling maternal and child mortality.
With growing discontent and warnings of industrial action, the state’s health sector faces renewed pressure to address welfare issues before they escalate into a full-blown strike that could disrupt services for thousands of patients.