Bauchi veterinary doctors issues ultimatum over salary
The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Bauchi State Chapter, has given the Bauchi State Government a 21-day ultimatum to address issues affecting veterinary doctors in the state.
The State Chairman of the association, Dr Abubakar Ibrahim, made the demand at a news conference in Bauchi, where he called for veterinary doctors to be included in the newly implemented revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for medical doctors.
Dr Ibrahim said veterinary doctors and medical doctors occupy the same level within the civil service and should therefore receive equal treatment.
“Both professions occupy the same level within the civil service and should therefore be treated equitably,” he said.
He said the association had made efforts to resolve the matter through the appropriate channels, but the issue remained unresolved, prompting the NVMA to issue the 21-day ultimatum.
The chairman warned that failure by the government to address the matter before the expiration of the ultimatum would lead to the suspension of veterinary services across the state and local government areas.
“The suspension will affect veterinary services at the state and local levels, including abattoirs and slaughter facilities, meat inspection and certification services, meat factories and meat processing facilities,” Dr Ibrahim said.
He added that vaccination programmes and the training of students would also be affected if the dispute was not resolved.
The NVMA chairman, however, said the association remained committed to constructive engagement with the government, expressing hope for a swift resolution in the interest of public health, food safety and the development of veterinary services in Bauchi.