The Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) has extended the deadline it earlier gave the Federal Government to resolve outstanding issues, granting an additional three weeks to allow for continued negotiations and possible compromise.

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.

The communiqué, jointly signed by NAMDA President, Dr. Nosa Lancy Orhue, and Acting Secretary-General, Prof. Aniekan Peter, urged the Federal Government to make effective use of the extension period to address all pending demands.

The association warned that if meaningful progress is not achieved by the expiration of the extension on August 31, 2026, it will proceed with a three-day warning strike.

Part of the communiqué read: "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."

NAMDA also directed its branches across the country to intensify consultations with members by organising at least two congresses and sensitisation programmes during the extension period.

According to the association, each branch is expected to submit reports and evidence of its mobilisation activities to the National Executive Council through the Secretariat, including an assessment of members' preparedness for the proposed industrial action.

The association expressed concern over what it described as the Federal Government's reluctance to conclude negotiations, while commending the Department of State Services (DSS) and other stakeholders for their intervention efforts aimed at facilitating dialogue.

NAMDA also appreciated the patience and cooperation shown by its members in maintaining stability within the nation's university system throughout the negotiation process.

The association further lamented what it described as the inadequate attention given to medical education and training despite the shortage of medical and dental professionals in the country and the continued migration of healthcare workers abroad.

It reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing the full implementation of all approved benefits for medical and dental lecturers and urged members nationwide to remain united and comply with all resolutions reached at the meeting.