Our Strike targeted on survival of Healthcare, not against Nigerians – NARD

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has clarified that its ongoing nationwide strike is not a protest against Nigerians but a fight to protect doctors, patients, and the country’s deteriorating healthcare system.

In a statement signed by its President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman; Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, the association dismissed the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s claim that the government remains committed to doctors’ welfare, insisting that the ministry’s statement does not reflect the reality on the ground.

“This strike is not against the people. It is for the survival of our doctors, our patients, and Nigeria’s healthcare system,” NARD stated.

“We seek a country where healthcare workers are valued, hospitals are functional, and patients receive quality care.”

The association said it had submitted 19 unresolved demands to the federal government, describing them as the “minimum requirements” for building a sustainable healthcare system and restoring dignity to the medical profession.

Among these issues are unpaid arrears and allowances dating back five years, delayed promotions, salary shortfalls caused by IPPIS irregularities, and poor recruitment and retention policies fueling the exodus of doctors abroad.

While acknowledging the release of funds for the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), NARD emphasized that the MRTF is a statutory entitlement and must be disbursed consistently and transparently.

The group also demanded the reinstatement of two doctors from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, who were allegedly dismissed unjustly, and accused the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) of demoralizing resident doctors through its recent re-categorization of postgraduate certificates.

NARD further urged the federal government to fix persistent irregularities such as unpaid salaries, denial of specialist allowances, and unsafe working conditions.

It also called for pension reforms that reflect the high-risk nature of medical practice.

Reaffirming its willingness to engage in dialogue, the association stressed that “industrial peace cannot be achieved through press statements but through sincerity, justice, and fulfilled promises.

Our struggle transcends money; it is about dignity, safety, and survival.”

The indefinite strike, which began on November 1, 2025, has disrupted medical services across several federal and state-owned hospitals.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, apologized to Nigerians for the hardship caused by the strike and revealed that President Bola Tinubu has ordered immediate action to ensure doctors return to work.

“The President has instructed us to do everything possible and legitimate to ensure resident doctors resume duty soon,” Dr. Salako said, adding that the government will continue to engage NARD and other unions under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) framework inaugurated in August 2025 to address wage and welfare concerns.

Salako reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reaching a fair and lasting resolution to the crisis.

Join Very Nigerian WhatsApp Channel
For Verified Breaking News, Exclusive Reports, Trending Stories, And Real-time Updates.
CLICk HERE TO JOIN!