The Federal Government has appealed to members of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to suspend their ongoing strike, assuring that their 19-point demands are already being addressed.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, made the appeal on Wednesday in Abuja at the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Healthcare and Medical Expo 2.0, themed “Reversing Medical Tourism: Africans Investing in Africa.” The strike, now in its fifth day, has disrupted medical services across public hospitals nationwide.
Dr. Salako reaffirmed government’s commitment to resolving the issues raised by the doctors, noting that several of the demands were already receiving attention.
“I want to appeal and assure us that the 19-point demands of NARD are being taken one by one. Some are within our immediate authority, and we are addressing them,” he said.
He added that matters outside the health ministry’s direct jurisdiction had been escalated to relevant government agencies for action. While acknowledging that bureaucratic processes might slow down implementation, he stressed that government’s commitment to doctors’ welfare and the broader healthcare system remained unwavering.
Salako disclosed that discussions with NARD leadership were ongoing and expressed optimism that the next round of talks would yield a lasting resolution.
Resident doctors embarked on an indefinite, total, and comprehensive strike on Saturday following the expiration of a 30-day ultimatum issued to the government.
Also speaking at the event, the Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, urged the doctors to return to work in the interest of patients, while continuing dialogue with the authorities.
“I join others in appealing to our resident doctors to please call off the strike and implore essential service officials to avoid strikes as a means of negotiation,” Olowolafe said.
He warned that each day of industrial action delayed surgeries, postponed diagnoses, and eroded public confidence in the health sector.
NARD’s demands include payment of outstanding 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) arrears, payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance, urgent upgrades of medical infrastructure, and maintenance of hospital equipment nationwide. The doctors are also seeking payment of promotion arrears, reversal of consultant cadres for non-medical personnel, and an end to the casualisation of doctors.
