The nationwide strike by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) is set to continue despite the Federal Government’s recent ₦41 billion disbursement to health workers.
Speaking on ARISE News, NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, said the payment only addressed one out of 19 outstanding issues the union has with the Federal Government.
According to him, while the government claimed the payment was proof of commitment to improving the health sector, the amount released covered just a small portion of the doctors’ demands.
“Government released ₦41 billion for 25–35% arrears that have lasted for two years across the entire health sector. Out of this, only ₦10–₦11 billion goes to doctors, and resident doctors make up 60% of that—around ₦5–₦7 billion. That’s one out of 19 issues,” he said.
Dr. Suleiman added that while allowances for accoutrement and non-clinical duties worth about ₦6 billion were being handled, core issues remain unresolved—including the reinstatement of five unlawfully terminated union members.
“Government says it will redeploy three of them to other hospitals instead of their original stations. That’s unacceptable,” he stated.
He further criticised the removal of resident doctors’ specialist status, describing it as a “career-crippling and unjust decision.”
“That certificate gives us specialist-in-training status across West Africa. Ghana and Sierra Leone recognise it, but Nigeria has chosen to strip it away. A frustrated doctor is a dangerous doctor,” he warned.
Among other grievances, NARD listed:
- Unpaid promotion arrears since 2021,
- The need to release the 2019 professional allowance table,
- And the illegal casualisation of doctors through short-term contracts.
“Casualisation is illegal in Nigeria, yet some hospitals issue slave-like contracts renewed every few months,” he lamented.
Dr. Suleiman called on President Bola Tinubu to personally intervene, praising the Finance Ministers Wale Edun and Doris Anite for their efforts but urging more commitment from the Health Ministry.
“I’m asking the President, as the father of the nation, to speak to our Health Ministry. Clear these issues, reinstate those doctors, release the allowance table, stop casualisation, and pay house officers on time. These are simple administrative matters that cost no kobo,” he appealed.
He emphasised that the ongoing strike goes beyond money—it’s about fairness, dignity, and the functionality of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“If work doesn’t work for the worker but only for government, is it really worth doing?” he asked.
Dr. Suleiman concluded firmly:
“The strike continues until our 19-point demands are sorted.”
