The Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) has extended the warning strike ultimatum earlier issued to the Federal Government, granting an additional three weeks to conclude negotiations over its outstanding demands.

The decision was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the association's Emergency National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and jointly signed by NAMDA President, Dr. Nosa Lancy Orhue, and Acting Secretary-General, Prof. Aniekan Peter.

According to the association, the extension is intended to provide enough time for meaningful discussions and a mutually acceptable resolution of the issues under negotiation.

NAMDA urged the Federal Government to make effective use of the three-week window, warning that failure to reach a satisfactory agreement by August 31, 2026, would lead to the declaration of a three-day warning strike.

The communiqué stated: "A three-week timeline extension was adopted for further consideration. E-NEC further resolved that the extension period should be utilised by government to resolve all outstanding issues. Failure to achieve meaningful resolution at the expiration of the period ending on the 31st of August 2026 shall result in the declaration of a three-day warning strike to be announced by NOC."

The association also directed all its branches across the country to organise at least two congresses and sensitisation programmes within the extension period to mobilise members.

It instructed each branch to submit reports and evidence of the mobilisation activities to the National Executive Council (NEC) through the Secretariat, including an assessment of members' preparedness for the proposed industrial action.

While expressing disappointment over what it described as the Federal Government's reluctance to conclude negotiations, NAMDA commended the Department of State Services (DSS) and other supporters for their continued intervention in the discussions.

The association also appreciated the patience and cooperation of its members, noting that their commitment has helped maintain stability within Nigeria's university system.

NAMDA further lamented what it described as the government's failure to prioritise medical education and training despite the shortage of medical and dental professionals and the increasing migration of healthcare workers abroad.

It reaffirmed its commitment to securing the full implementation of all approved benefits for medical and dental lecturers and urged members nationwide to comply with all resolutions and directives reached during the Emergency National Executive Council meeting.