Abuja: The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Tuesday expressed optimism that its planned nationwide strike could be averted following a meeting with the Federal Government. NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, announced this development after a meeting convened by the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, aimed at addressing the doctors’ grievances ahead of the August 10 strike deadline.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja was attended by the Ministers of Health, Labour and Finance, the Director-General of the Budget Office, officials from the Office of the Accountant-General, IPPIS, and other relevant agencies. Suleiman stated that the meeting resulted in timelines for resolving key issues, including salary arrears, promotion benefits, professional allowances, and the welfare of house officers.
He mentioned that the government agreed on a one-week timeline to resolve outstanding salary-related issues, including those affecting resident doctors at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). A directive was also issued to ensure that house officers received their salaries promptly, with a standing order that salaries be paid before the 10th of every month.
The NARD president noted that discussions also covered the payment of 19 months’ outstanding arrears due to the adjustment of professional allowances approved by the government. He emphasized that the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Health would work to fast-track the completion of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) so that the agreed terms could be included in the next year’s budget.
Suleiman raised concerns about increasing attacks on health workers, revealing that 31 doctors and more than 20 other health personnel had been assaulted in the last 10 months. He said the Federal Ministry of Health had agreed to issue directives to hospitals to strengthen security and create safer working environments. The Chief of Staff committed to introducing legislation to make assault on health workers an aggravated offence.
Regarding the planned strike, Suleiman stated that the association would first brief its National Executive Council before making a final decision. He expressed confidence in the intervention of the Chief of Staff, noting that previous engagements led by him had produced positive outcomes for resident doctors.
Earlier, Gbajabiamila mentioned that the meeting was convened to avert the impending strike and ensure uninterrupted healthcare services across the country. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, affirmed the government’s commitment to resolving the concerns of resident doctors through dialogue, emphasizing efforts to maintain peace in the sector.
NARD had previously given the Federal Government until August 10 to implement the terms of a previously signed Memorandum of Understanding or face a nationwide strike.