Resident Doctors Give FG Conditions for Suspension of Strike
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has listed key conditions that must be fulfilled by the Federal Government before it will consider suspending its ongoing nationwide strike.
Speaking on an interview breakfast on Thursday, NARD President Dr. Mohammed Suleiman said the government must demonstrate genuine commitment by fully implementing all items previously agreed upon in its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the association.
According to him, progress in negotiations has been slow despite three conciliation meetings held so far, adding that doctors will not call off the strike until concrete actions not promises are taken.
“The Federal Government must reinstate the ‘Lokoja 5,’ release the professional allowance table for implementation, pay promotion arrears, clear outstanding salary arrears, ensure that all items agreed on during conciliation are reflected exactly in the MoU, pay the specialist allowance to CONMESS 5 officers, and resolve the membership certificate issue,” Suleiman stated.
He explained that the association has a total of 19 unresolved demands, many of which have lingered for years despite repeated engagements with government officials.
The NARD president stressed that doctors have endured prolonged delays on issues affecting welfare, workplace conditions and career progression, adding that the strike is a last resort.
Suleiman emphasised that reinstating the “Lokoja 5” doctors allegedly dismissed from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja remains a critical condition for rebuilding trust.
The doctors’ strike, which has disrupted services in federal and some state hospitals, has heightened concerns over access to healthcare across the country.
Stakeholders have called for urgent intervention to prevent a further breakdown of essential medical services.
NARD maintains that the ball is now in the Federal Government’s court.
“Once the agreed items are implemented as written, the National Executive Council will meet and take appropriate action on the strike,” Suleiman added.
As the industrial action continues, patients nationwide are hoping for a quick resolution that will restore normalcy to the health sector.
