By Sandra Kenneth
The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Bauchi State Chapter, has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Bauchi State Government to resolve ongoing pay disparities affecting veterinary doctors in the state or face a total shutdown of services.
Speaking at a news conference in Bauchi, the State Chairman of the association, Dr. Abubakar Ibrahim, demanded the immediate inclusion of veterinary doctors in the newly implemented revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) recently granted to medical doctors.
Dr. Ibrahim argued that both professions maintain identical placement within the civil service framework and ought to be accorded equal pay and recognition.
“Both professions occupy the same level within the civil service and should therefore be treated equitably,” Ibrahim stated.
According to the leadership, the association previously sought to resolve the issue amicably through administrative channels, but a lack of progress forced them to issue the strike warning.
If the government fails to address their demands before the deadline expires, the NVMA warned it will withdraw services across all state and local government facilities. The industrial action would halt operations at abattoirs, meat processing plants, inspection and certification points, vaccination drives, and student training programs.
Despite the threat of strike action, Dr. Ibrahim noted that the association remains open to dialogue, expressing hope for a prompt resolution to safeguard public health, livestock safety, and food security across Bauchi State.
