Presidency moves to avert doctors’ nationwide strike
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has moved to suspend its planned nationwide strike following a meeting with the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The meeting, which lasted about three hours, produced agreements on outstanding salary arrears, promotions, allowances and other welfare concerns that had prompted the association to threaten an indefinite strike from 10 August.
Nkereuwem Effiong
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has moved to suspend its planned nationwide strike following a meeting with the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The meeting, which lasted about three hours, produced agreements on outstanding salary arrears, promotions, allowances and other welfare concerns that had prompted the association to threaten an indefinite strike from 10 August.
NARD President, Dr Muhammad Suleiman, said the Federal Government had agreed to specific timelines for addressing most of the issues raised by the association.
He, however, said the planned strike could not be formally called off until the outcome of the meeting had been presented to the association’s National Executive Council.
“Today, I can tell you that our matters have been resolved,” Suleiman said, adding that the discussions had resulted in concrete commitments from relevant government agencies.
He said the government had issued a directive requiring the salaries of house officers to be paid on or before the 10th of every month to address recurring delays.
Suleiman also said the Ministries of Labour and Health had been directed to expedite negotiations on the collective bargaining agreement between the Federal Government and resident doctors, with the outcome expected to be reflected in the next budget cycle.
The association also raised concerns over attacks on health workers, prompting commitments to improve security at public hospitals and strengthen public awareness against violence targeting medical personnel.
Suleiman said the government would also consider legislative measures to provide stronger protection for health workers.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministries of Labour, Health and Finance, as well as representatives of the Budget Office, the Office of the Accountant-General and other relevant government agencies.
NARD had threatened to begin an indefinite nationwide strike on 10 August over unpaid allowances, salary arrears, delayed promotions and other welfare-related issues.
The association said it would announce its final decision after consulting its National Executive Council.
