Dr. Mannir Bature, the NMA’s National Publicity Secretary, stated this on Monday in Gusau, Zamfara State, while addressing journalists. He described the allegation as misleading and capable of worsening industrial tensions within the health sector.
The clarification came in response to an ultimatum issued by the NLC and TUC regarding the ongoing nationwide strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
The NMA emphasized that there was no CONMESS upgrade in 2014, as claimed by organised labour. Instead, it said what occurred was a correction of long-standing distortions in the implementation of the salary structure, carried out in line with existing approvals and public service guidelines.
The association explained that the adjustment merely restored CONMESS to its originally approved status, noting that correcting an anomaly should not be equated with an upgrade or preferential treatment.
“The NMA wishes to unequivocally clarify that there was no upgrade of CONMESS whatsoever, as falsely claimed,” the statement said. “What occurred was a correction of a long-standing error and distortion in the application of the CONMESS framework, which had persisted despite clear approvals and established public service guidelines.
“This corrective action merely restored CONMESS to its rightful and previously approved position. By every objective, technical, and administrative definition, a correction of an anomaly does not amount to an upgrade,” the association added.
The NMA’s clarification is expected to further shape the ongoing discussions surrounding the industrial action and the demands of health sector workers.